User equipment connection management state-based dual access steering

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may receive an indication that a first cellular-based access and a second cellular-based access are both available for a data session for communicating data. The UE may select the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session based at least in part on one or more of: a first connection management state of the UE on the first cellular-based access and a second connection management state of the UE on the second cellular-based access. The UE may communicate the data during the data session via the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access in accordance with the selecting.

Description

USER EQUIPMENT CONNECTION MANAGEMENT STATE-BASED DUAL ACCESS STEERINGCROSS REFERENCE

[0001] The present Application for Patent claims priority to Greece Patent Application No. 20230100917 by TONESI et al., entitled “USER EQUIPMENT CONNECTION MANAGEMENT STATE-BASED DUAL ACCESS STEERING,” filed November 3, 2023, assigned to the assignee hereof, and expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The following relates to wireless communications, including user equipment connection management state-based dual access steering.BACKGROUND

[0003] Wireless communications systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple-access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE- Advanced (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems, and fifth generation (5G) systems which may be referred to as New Radio (NR) systems. These systems may employ technologies such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple-access communications system may include one or more base stations, each supporting wireless communication for communication devices, which may be known as user equipment (UE).SUMMARY

[0004] The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support user equipment (UE) connection management (CM) state - based dual access steering. For example, the described techniques provide for consideration of the CM state on individual cellular-based access technologies for communicating data during a data session (e.g., a protocol data unit (PDU) session). For example, the UE may receive an indication of a first cellular-based access and a second cellular-based access that are both available for the data session (e.g., for communicating data to / from the UE).

[0005] The first and second cellular-based accesses may be the same or different cellular-based accesses, such as overlapping third generation partnership project (3 GPP) technologies. That is, each access may be associated with a 3GPP access, but the 3GPP accesses may be the same 3GPP access but separately deployed (e.g., different networks deployed by different network providers) or may be different but overlapping 3 GPP accesses (e.g., overlapping networks deployed by the same network provider, but using different 3GPP access technologies). The UE may select the first or second cellularbased access(es) based on the CM state (e.g., connected mode or idle mode) of the UE on each cellular-based access. That is, the UE and / or network function may identify or otherwise determine a first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access. The UE and / or network function may select the cellular-based access having an active or connected mode for the data session rather than the cellular-based access having an idle mode. The UE and network function may communicate the data during the data session using the selected cellular-based access.

[0006] A method for wireless communications by a UE is described. The method may include receiving an indication that a first cellular-based access and a second cellular-based access are both available for a data session for communicating data, selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session based on one or more of: a first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access, and communicating the data during the data session via the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access in accordance with the selecting.

[0007] A UE for wireless communications is described. The UE may include one or more memories storing processor executable code, and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories. The one or more processors may individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to receive an indication that a first cellular-based access and a second cellular-based access are both available for a data session for communicating data, select the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session based on one or more of: a first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access, and communicate the data during the data session via the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access in accordance with the selecting.

[0008] Another UE for wireless communications is described. The UE may include means for receiving an indication that a first cellular-based access and a second cellularbased access are both available for a data session for communicating data, means for selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session based on one or more of: a first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access, and means for communicating the data during the data session via the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access in accordance with the selecting.

[0009] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to receive an indication that a first cellular-based access and a second cellularbased access are both available for a data session for communicating data, select the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session based on one or more of: a first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access, and communicate the data during the data session via the first cellular-based access or the second cellularbased access in accordance with the selecting.

[0010] In some examples of the method, user equipment (UEs), and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, receiving the indication may include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving rules identifying a steering mode indicator and a CM state priority indicator, where the CM state priority indicatorprioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state, where selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access may be according to the rules and based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with a connected mode.

[0011] In some examples of the method, user equipment (UEs), and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access may include operations, features, means, or instructions for selecting the first cellular-based access to communicate uplink data based on the first CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0012] In some examples of the method, user equipment (UEs), and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access may include operations, features, means, or instructions for selecting the second cellular-based access to communicate uplink data based on the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0013] In some examples of the method, user equipment (UEs), and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the indication may be received from a session management function (SMF).

[0014] In some examples of the method, user equipment (UEs), and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, receiving the indication may include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving information identifying a set of steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session, where one or more steering modes in the set of steering modes may be based on the first CM state of the UE on the first cellularbased access or the second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access.

[0015] In some examples of the method, user equipment (UEs), and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the set of steering modes may be a set of CM state-dependent steering modes that includes a CM state-dependent active-standby steering mode, a CM state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a CM statedependent load balancing steering mode, a CM state-dependent priority -based steering mode, a CM state-dependent redundancy-based steering mode, or a combination thereof.

[0016] In some examples of the method, user equipment (UEs), and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, receiving the indication may include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving information identifying a steering mode indicator and a CM state priority indicator, where the CM state priority indicator prioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state over the steering mode indicator and selecting, according to at least the CM state priority indicator, the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with a connected mode.

[0017] A method for wireless communications by a first network function is described. The method may include obtaining information identifying an event list identifying one or more events associated with a UE, at least one event in the event list including a CM state event, monitoring, for one or more cellular-based accesses associated with the UE, a CM state of the UE to determine that the CM state has changed from a first CM state to a second CM state, where the change of the CM state triggers the CM state event, and providing, based on the CM state event being triggered, an indication to a second network function that the CM state of the UE has changed to a connected mode or to an idle mode.

[0018] A first network function for wireless communications is described. The first network function may include one or more memories storing processor executable code, and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories. The one or more processors may individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to obtain information identifying an event list identifying one or more events associated with a UE, at least one event in the event list including a CM state event, monitor, for one or more cellular-based accesses associated with the UE, a CM state of the UE to determine that the CM state has changed from a first CM state to a second CM state, where the change of the CM state triggers the CM state event, and providing, based on the CM state event being triggered, an indication to a second network function that the CM state of the UE has changed to a connected mode or to an idle mode.

[0019] Another first network function for wireless communications is described. The first network function may include means for obtaining information identifying anevent list identifying one or more events associated with a UE, at least one event in the event list including a CM state event, means for monitoring, for one or more cellularbased accesses associated with the UE, a CM state of the UE to determine that the CM state has changed from a first CM state to a second CM state, where the change of the CM state triggers the CM state event, and means for providing, based on the CM state event being triggered, an indication to a second network function that the CM state of the UE has changed to a connected mode or to an idle mode.

[0020] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to obtain information identifying an event list identifying one or more events associated with a UE, at least one event in the event list including a CM state event, monitor, for one or more cellular-based accesses associated with the UE, a CM state of the UE to determine that the CM state has changed from a first CM state to a second CM state, where the change of the CM state triggers the CM state event, and providing, base on the CM state event being triggered, an indication to a second network function that the CM state of the UE has changed to a connected mode or to an idle mode.

[0021] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the first network function includes an access management function (AMF) and the second network function include a SMF.

[0022] A method for wireless communications by a first network function is described. The method may include obtaining rules prioritizing a data session between a UE and a second network function based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access, a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access, or both, obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access and for the second cellular-based access, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode, and providing, to the UE, to the second network function, or both, an indication that the UE, the second network function, or both, are to prioritize selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access according to the rules and based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0023] A first network function for wireless communications is described. The first network function may include one or more memories storing processor executable code, and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories. The one or more processors may individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to obtain rules prioritizing a data session between a UE and a second network function based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access, a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access, or both, obtain information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access and for the second cellular-based access, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode, and provide, to the UE, to the second network function, or both, an indication that the UE, the second network function, or both, are to prioritize selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access according to the rules and based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0024] Another first network function for wireless communications is described. The first network function may include means for obtaining rules prioritizing a data session between a UE and a second network function based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access, a second CM state of the UE on a second cellularbased access, or both, means for obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access and for the second cellular-based access, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode, and means for providing, to the UE, to the second network function, or both, an indication that the UE, the second network function, or both, are to prioritize selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access according to the rules and based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0025] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to obtain rules prioritizing a data session between a UE and a second network function based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access, a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access, or both, obtain information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access and for the second cellular-based access, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode, andprovide, to the UE, to the second network function, or both, an indication that the UE, the second network function, or both, are to prioritize selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access according to the rules and based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0026] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, obtaining the rules may include operations, features, means, or instructions for obtaining a policy and charging control (PCC) rule identifying a steering mode indication and a CM state priority indicator, where the CM state priority indicator prioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0027] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, obtaining the rules may include operations, features, means, or instructions for obtaining a PCC rule identifying a set of CM state-dependent steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session, where one or more CM state-dependent steering modes in the set of CM state-dependent steering modes may be based on the first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access or the second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access.

[0028] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the set of CM state-dependent steering modes includes a CM state-dependent active- standby steering mode, a CM statedependent smallest delay steering mode, a CM state-dependent load balancing steering mode, a CM state-dependent priority-based steering mode, a CM state-dependent redundancy -based steering mode, or a combination thereof.

[0029] Some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for maintaining the UE in the idle mode for the second cellularbased access during the data session based on the second CM state being associated with the idle mode and based on a second network function scheme to communicate data to the UE via the second cellular-based access.

[0030] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, obtaining the CM state may include operations, features, means, or instructions for obtaining an indication that the first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access, the second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access, or both, may have changed to the connected mode or to the idle mode and providing an indication, to the second network function that the first CM state, the second CM state, or both, may have changed to the connected mode or to the idle mode, where the indication identifies which cellular-based access may have changed, and where the data session with the UE may be via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, in response to the change to the connected mode.

[0031] Some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for providing, to the second network function, information identifying a set of steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session with the UE, where one or more steering modes in the set of steering modes may be based on the first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access or the second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access.

[0032] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the set of steering modes may be a set of CM state-dependent steering modes that includes a CM state-dependent active-standby steering mode, a CM state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a CM statedependent load balancing steering mode, a CM state-dependent priority -based steering mode, a CM state-dependent redundancy-based steering mode, or a combination thereof.

[0033] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the information identifies a steering mode indication for the set of steering modes and a CM state priority indicator that prioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0034] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the second network function includes a user plane function (UPF).

[0035] Some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for providing, to the second network function, a subscription request associated with a change in the first CM state and the second CM state of the UE, obtaining, from the second network function, an indication that the first CM state, the second CM state, or both, may have changed from a connected mode to an idle mode or from the idle mode to the connected mode, and providing a CM state change message to a third network function identifying that the first CM state, the second CM state, or both, may have changed from the connected mode to the idle mode or from the idle mode to the connected mode.

[0036] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the second network function includes an AMF and the third network function includes a UPF.

[0037] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, obtaining information identifying the CM state of the UE may include operations, features, means, or instructions for establishing a tunnel between the UE and the second network function for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, where establishment of the tunnel indicates that the first cellular-based access, the second cellular-based access, or both, may be associated with the connected mode of the UE, where the second network function includes an AMF.

[0038] A method for wireless communications by a first network function is described. The method may include obtaining rules prioritizing a data session with a UE based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access or a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access, obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode, and exchanging datawith the UE via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, based on the first CM state and the second CM state.

[0039] A first network function for wireless communications is described. The first network function may include one or more memories storing processor executable code, and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories. The one or more processors may individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to obtain rules prioritizing a data session with a UE based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access or a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access, obtain information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode, and exchange data with the UE via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, based on the first CM state and the second CM state.

[0040] Another first network function for wireless communications is described. The first network function may include means for obtaining rules prioritizing a data session with a UE based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access or a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access, means for obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode, and means for exchanging data with the UE via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, based on the first CM state and the second CM state.

[0041] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to obtain rules prioritizing a data session with a UE based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access or a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access, obtain information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode, and exchange data with the UE via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, based on the first CM state and the second CM state.

[0042] Some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for providing, to a second network function, a subscription request associated with a change in the first CM state and the second CM state of the UE and obtaining, from the second network function, an indication that the first CM state, the second CM state, or both, may have changed from the connected mode to the idle mode or from the idle mode to the connected mode, where the data session may be based on obtaining the indication of the change.

[0043] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the second network function includes a SMF.

[0044] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, obtaining the rules may include operations, features, means, or instructions for obtaining, from a second network function, information identifying a set of steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session with the UE, where one or more steering modes in the set of steering modes may be based on the first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access or the second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access.

[0045] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the set of steering modes may be a set of CM state-dependent steering modes that includes a CM state-dependent active-standby steering mode, a CM state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a CM statedependent load balancing steering mode, a CM state-dependent priority -based steering mode, a CM state-dependent redundancy-based steering mode, or a combination thereof.

[0046] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the information identifies a steering mode indication for the set of steering modes and a CM state priority indicator that prioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0047] In some examples of the method, first network functions, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, obtaining information identifying the CM state of the UE may include operations, features, means, or instructions for establishing a tunnel between the UE and the second network function for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, where establishment of the tunnel indicates that the first cellular-based access, the second cellular-based access, or both, may be associated with the connected mode of the UE, where the second network function includes an AMF.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG. 1 shows an example of a wireless communications system that supports user equipment (UE) connection management (CM) state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows an example of a dual-access scheme that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 3 shows an example of a dual-access scheme that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows an example of a dual-access scheme that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 5 shows an example of a message flow diagram that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows an example of a message flow diagram that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIGs. 7 and 8 show block diagrams of devices that support UE CM statebased dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a communications manager that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 10 shows a diagram of a system including a device that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIGs. 11 and 12 show block diagrams of devices that support UE CM statebased dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of a communications manager that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 14 shows a diagram of a system including a device that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIGs. 15 through 18 show flowcharts illustrating methods that support UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Wireless networks may support a user equipment (UE) performing wireless communications using multiple access technologies. For example, the UE may have established a connection with a cellular network and a non-cellular network (e.g., a WiFi network) and / or with different cellular networks (e.g., different long term evolution (LTE) networks, an LTE network and a new radio (NR) / fifth generation (5G) network, and the like). Various rules are defined that direct traffic (e.g., during data sessions) across the different access networks. For examples, steering modes may be definedwithin the user-plane function (UPF) and session management function (SMF) within a core network that defines (e.g., prioritizes) certain features when directing the data session across the different access technologies. However, such networks may not consider the connection management (CM) state of the UE on the different access technologies when directing the data session.

[0062] Accordingly, the described techniques provide for consideration of the CM state on individual cellular-based access technologies during data session. For example, the UE may receive an indication of a first cellular-based access and a second cellularbased access are both available for a data session (e.g., for communicating data to / from the UE).

[0063] The first and second cellular-based accesses may be the same or different cellular-based accesses, such as overlapping third generation partnership project (3 GPP) technologies. That is, each access may be associated with a 3GPP access, but the 3GPP accesses may be the same 3GPP access but separately deployed (e.g., different networks deployed by different network providers) or may be different but overlapping 3 GPP accesses (e.g., overlapping networks deployed by the same network provider, but using different 3GPP access technologies). The UE may select the first or second cellularbased access based on the CM state (e.g., connected mode or idle mode) of the UE on each cellular-based access. That is, the UE and / or network function may identify or otherwise determine a first CM state of the first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the second cellular-based access. The UE and / or network function may select the cellular-based access having an active or connected mode status for the data session rather than the cellular-based access having an idle mode. The UE and network function may communicate the data during the data session using the selected cellular-based access.

[0064] Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communications systems. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to UE CM state-based dual access steering.

[0065] FIG. 1 shows an example of a wireless communications system 100 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or moreaspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system 100 may include one or more network entities 105, one or more UEs 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communications system 100 may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an LTE- Advanced (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, a New Radio (NR) network, or a network operating in accordance with other systems and radio technologies, including future systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0066] The network entities 105 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form the wireless communications system 100 and may include devices in different forms or having different capabilities. In various examples, a network entity 105 may be referred to as a network element, a mobility element, a radio access network (RAN) node, or network equipment, among other nomenclature. In some examples, network entities 105 and UEs 115 may wirelessly communicate via one or more communication links 125 (e.g., a radio frequency (RF) access link). For example, a network entity 105 may support a coverage area 110 (e.g., a geographic coverage area) over which the UEs 115 and the network entity 105 may establish one or more communication links 125. The coverage area 110 may be an example of a geographic area over which a network entity 105 and a UE 115 may support the communication of signals according to one or more radio access technologies (RATs).

[0067] The UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout a coverage area 110 of the wireless communications system 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary, or mobile, or both at different times. The UEs 115 may be devices in different forms or having different capabilities. Some example UEs 115 are illustrated in FIG. 1. The UEs 115 described herein may be capable of supporting communications with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115 or network entities 105, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0068] As described herein, a node of the wireless communications system 100, which may be referred to as a network node, or a wireless node, may be a network entity 105 (e.g., any network entity described herein), a UE 115 (e.g., any UE described herein), a network controller, an apparatus, a device, a computing system, one or more components, or another suitable processing entity configured to perform any of the techniques described herein. For example, a node may be a UE 115. As another example, a node may be a network entity 105. As another example, a first node may beconfigured to communicate with a second node or a third node. In one aspect of this example, the first node may be a UE 115, the second node may be a network entity 105, and the third node may be a UE 115. In another aspect of this example, the first node may be a UE 115, the second node may be a network entity 105, and the third node may be a network entity 105. In yet other aspects of this example, the first, second, and third nodes may be different relative to these examples. Similarly, reference to a UE 115, network entity 105, apparatus, device, computing system, or the like may include disclosure of the UE 115, network entity 105, apparatus, device, computing system, or the like being a node. For example, disclosure that a UE 115 is configured to receive information from a network entity 105 also discloses that a first node is configured to receive information from a second node.

[0069] In some examples, network entities 105 may communicate with the core network 130, or with one another, or both. For example, network entities 105 may communicate with the core network 130 via one or more backhaul communication links 120 (e.g., in accordance with an SI, N2, N3, or other interface protocol). In some examples, network entities 105 may communicate with one another via a backhaul communication link 120 (e.g., in accordance with an X2, Xn, or other interface protocol) either directly (e.g., directly between network entities 105) or indirectly (e.g., via a core network 130). In some examples, network entities 105 may communicate with one another via a midhaul communication link 162 (e.g., in accordance with a midhaul interface protocol) or a fronthaul communication link 168 (e.g., in accordance with a fronthaul interface protocol), or any combination thereof. The backhaul communication links 120, midhaul communication links 162, or fronthaul communication links 168 may be or include one or more wired links (e.g., an electrical link, an optical fiber link), one or more wireless links (e.g., a radio link, a wireless optical link), among other examples or various combinations thereof. A UE 115 may communicate with the core network 130 via a communication link 155.

[0070] One or more of the network entities 105 described herein may include or may be referred to as a base station 140 (e.g., a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an NR base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB or a giga-NodeB (either of which may be referred to as a gNB), a 5G NB, a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB,or other suitable terminology). In some examples, a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140) may be implemented in an aggregated (e.g., monolithic, standalone) base station architecture, which may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single network entity 105 (e.g., a single RAN node, such as a base station 140).

[0071] In some examples, a network entity 105 may be implemented in a disaggregated architecture (e.g., a disaggregated base station architecture, a disaggregated RAN architecture), which may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed among two or more network entities 105, such as an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open RAN (O-RAN) (e.g., a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance), or a virtualized RAN (vRAN) (e.g., a cloud RAN (C-RAN)). For example, a network entity 105 may include one or more of a central unit (CU) 160, a distributed unit (DU) 165, a radio unit (RU) 170, a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) 175 (e.g., a Near-Real Time RIC (Near-RT RIC), a Non-Real Time RIC (Non-RT RIC)), a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) 180 system, or any combination thereof. An RU 170 may also be referred to as a radio head, a smart radio head, a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio unit (RRU), or a transmission reception point (TRP). One or more components of the network entities 105 in a disaggregated RAN architecture may be co-located, or one or more components of the network entities 105 may be located in distributed locations (e.g., separate physical locations). In some examples, one or more network entities 105 of a disaggregated RAN architecture may be implemented as virtual units (e.g., a virtual CU (VCU), a virtual DU (VDU), a virtual RU (VRU)).

[0072] The split of functionality between a CU 160, a DU 165, and an RU 170 is flexible and may support different functionalities depending on which functions (e.g., network layer functions, protocol layer functions, baseband functions, RF functions, and any combinations thereof) are performed at a CU 160, a DU 165, or an RU 170. For example, a functional split of a protocol stack may be employed between a CU 160 and a DU 165 such that the CU 160 may support one or more layers of the protocol stack and the DU 165 may support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. In some examples, the CU 160 may host upper protocol layer (e.g., layer 3 (L3), layer 2 (L2)) functionality and signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC), service data adaptionprotocol (SDAP), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)). The CU 160 may be connected to one or more DUs 165 or RUs 170, and the one or more DUs 165 or RUs 170 may host lower protocol layers, such as layer 1 (LI) (e.g., physical (PHY) layer) or L2 (e.g., radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer) functionality and signaling, and may each be at least partially controlled by the CU 160. Additionally, or alternatively, a functional split of the protocol stack may be employed between a DU 165 and an RU 170 such that the DU 165 may support one or more layers of the protocol stack and the RU 170 may support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. The DU 165 may support one or multiple different cells (e.g., via one or more RUs 170). In some cases, a functional split between a CU 160 and a DU 165, or between a DU 165 and an RU 170 may be within a protocol layer (e.g., some functions for a protocol layer may be performed by one of a CU 160, a DU 165, or an RU 170, while other functions of the protocol layer are performed by a different one of the CU 160, the DU 165, or the RU 170). A CU 160 may be functionally split further into CU control plane (CU-CP) and CU user plane (CU-UP) functions. A CU 160 may be connected to one or more DUs 165 via a midhaul communication link 162 (e.g., Fl, Fl-c, Fl-u), and a DU 165 may be connected to one or more RUs 170 via a fronthaul communication link 168 (e.g., open fronthaul (FH) interface). In some examples, a midhaul communication link 162 or a fronthaul communication link 168 may be implemented in accordance with an interface (e.g., a channel) between layers of a protocol stack supported by respective network entities 105 that are in communication via such communication links.

[0073] In wireless communications systems (e.g., wireless communications system 100), infrastructure and spectral resources for radio access may support wireless backhaul link capabilities to supplement wired backhaul connections, providing an IAB network architecture (e.g., to a core network 130). In some cases, in an IAB network, one or more network entities 105 (e.g., IAB nodes 104) may be partially controlled by each other. One or more IAB nodes 104 may be referred to as a donor entity or an IAB donor. One or more DUs 165 or one or more RUs 170 may be partially controlled by one or more CUs 160 associated with a donor network entity 105 (e.g., a donor base station 140). The one or more donor network entities 105 (e.g., IAB donors) may be in communication with one or more additional network entities 105 (e.g., IAB nodes 104)via supported access and backhaul links (e.g., backhaul communication links 120). IAB nodes 104 may include an IAB mobile termination (IAB-MT) controlled (e.g., scheduled) by DUs 165 of a coupled IAB donor. An IAB-MT may include an independent set of antennas for relay of communications with UEs 115, or may share the same antennas (e.g., of an RU 170) of an IAB node 104 used for access via the DU 165 of the IAB node 104 (e.g., referred to as virtual IAB-MT (vIAB-MT)). In some examples, the IAB nodes 104 may include DUs 165 that support communication links with additional entities (e.g., IAB nodes 104, UEs 115) within the relay chain or configuration of the access network (e.g., downstream). In such cases, one or more components of the disaggregated RAN architecture (e.g., one or more IAB nodes 104 or components of IAB nodes 104) may be configured to operate according to the techniques described herein.

[0074] For instance, an access network (AN) or RAN may include communications between access nodes (e.g., an IAB donor), IAB nodes 104, and one or more UEs 115. The IAB donor may facilitate connection between the core network 130 and the AN (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection to the core network 130). That is, an IAB donor may refer to a RAN node with a wired or wireless connection to core network 130. The IAB donor may include a CU 160 and at least one DU 165 (e.g., and RU 170), in which case the CU 160 may communicate with the core network 130 via an interface (e.g., a backhaul link). IAB donor and IAB nodes 104 may communicate via an Fl interface according to a protocol that defines signaling messages (e.g., an Fl AP protocol). Additionally, or alternatively, the CU 160 may communicate with the core network via an interface, which may be an example of a portion of backhaul link, and may communicate with other CUs 160 (e.g., a CU 160 associated with an alternative IAB donor) via an Xn-C interface, which may be an example of a portion of a backhaul link.

[0075] An IAB node 104 may refer to a RAN node that provides IAB functionality (e.g., access for UEs 115, wireless self-backhauling capabilities). A DU 165 may act as a distributed scheduling node towards child nodes associated with the IAB node 104, and the IAB-MT may act as a scheduled node towards parent nodes associated with the IAB node 104. That is, an IAB donor may be referred to as a parent node in communication with one or more child nodes (e.g., an IAB donor may relay transmissions for UEs through one or more other IAB nodes 104). Additionally, oralternatively, an IAB node 104 may also be referred to as a parent node or a child node to other IAB nodes 104, depending on the relay chain or configuration of the AN. Therefore, the IAB-MT entity of IAB nodes 104 may provide a Uu interface for a child IAB node 104 to receive signaling from a parent IAB node 104, and the DU interface (e.g., DUs 165) may provide a Uu interface for a parent IAB node 104 to signal to a child IAB node 104 or UE 115.

[0076] For example, IAB node 104 may be referred to as a parent node that supports communications for a child IAB node, or referred to as a child IAB node associated with an IAB donor, or both. The IAB donor may include a CU 160 with a wired or wireless connection (e.g., a backhaul communication link 120) to the core network 130 and may act as parent node to IAB nodes 104. For example, the DU 165 of IAB donor may relay transmissions to UEs 115 through IAB nodes 104, or may directly signal transmissions to a UE 115, or both. The CU 160 of IAB donor may signal communication link establishment via an Fl interface to IAB nodes 104, and the IAB nodes 104 may schedule transmissions (e.g., transmissions to the UEs 115 relayed from the IAB donor) through the DUs 165. That is, data may be relayed to and from IAB nodes 104 via signaling via an NR Uu interface to MT of the IAB node 104. Communications with IAB node 104 may be scheduled by a DU 165 of IAB donor and communications with IAB node 104 may be scheduled by DU 165 of IAB node 104.

[0077] In the case of the techniques described herein applied in the context of a disaggregated RAN architecture, one or more components of the disaggregated RAN architecture may be configured to support UE CM state-based dual access steering as described herein. For example, some operations described as being performed by a UE 115 or a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140) may additionally, or alternatively, be performed by one or more components of the disaggregated RAN architecture (e.g., IAB nodes 104, DUs 165, CUs 160, RUs 170, RIC 175, SMO 180).

[0078] A UE 115 may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, where the “device” may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. A UE 115 may also include or may be referred to as a personal electronic device such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In someexamples, a UE 115 may include or be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (loT) device, an Internet of Everything (loE) device, or a machine type communications (MTC) device, among other examples, which may be implemented in various objects such as appliances, or vehicles, meters, among other examples.

[0079] The UEs 115 described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115 that may sometimes act as relays as well as the network entities 105 and the network equipment including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, among other examples, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0080] The UEs 115 and the network entities 105 may wirelessly communicate with one another via one or more communication links 125 (e.g., an access link) using resources associated with one or more carriers. The term “carrier” may refer to a set of RF spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting the communication links 125. For example, a carrier used for a communication link 125 may include a portion of a RF spectrum band (e.g., a bandwidth part (BWP)) that is operated according to one or more physical layer channels for a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel may carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling that coordinates operation for the carrier, user data, or other signaling. The wireless communications system 100 may support communication with a UE 115 using carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. A UE 115 may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers according to a carrier aggregation configuration. Carrier aggregation may be used with both frequency division duplexing (FDD) and time division duplexing (TDD) component carriers. Communication between a network entity 105 and other devices may refer to communication between the devices and any portion (e.g., entity, subentity) of a network entity 105. For example, the terms “transmitting,” “receiving,” or “communicating,” when referring to a network entity 105, may refer to any portion of a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140, a CU 160, a DU 165, a RU 170) of a RAN communicating with another device (e.g., directly or via one or more other network entities 105).

[0081] In some examples, such as in a carrier aggregation configuration, a carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling that coordinates operations for other carriers. A carrier may be associated with a frequency channel (e.g., an evolved universal mobile telecommunication system terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) absolute RF channel number (EARFCN)) and may be identified according to a channel raster for discovery by the UEs 115. A carrier may be operated in a standalone mode, in which case initial acquisition and connection may be conducted by the UEs 115 via the carrier, or the carrier may be operated in a non- standalone mode, in which case a connection is anchored using a different carrier (e.g., of the same or a different radio access technology).

[0082] The communication links 125 shown in the wireless communications system 100 may include downlink transmissions (e.g., forward link transmissions) from a network entity 105 to a UE 115, uplink transmissions (e.g., return link transmissions) from a UE 115 to a network entity 105, or both, among other configurations of transmissions. Carriers may carry downlink or uplink communications (e.g., in an FDD mode) or may be configured to carry downlink and uplink communications (e.g., in a TDD mode).

[0083] A carrier may be associated with a particular bandwidth of the RF spectrum and, in some examples, the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as a “system bandwidth” of the carrier or the wireless communications system 100. For example, the carrier bandwidth may be one of a set of bandwidths for carriers of a particular radio access technology (e.g., 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, or 80 megahertz (MHz)). Devices of the wireless communications system 100 (e.g., the network entities 105, the UEs 115, or both) may have hardware configurations that support communications using a particular carrier bandwidth or may be configurable to support communications using one of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, the wireless communications system 100 may include network entities 105 or UEs 115 that support concurrent communications using carriers associated with multiple carrier bandwidths. In some examples, each served UE 115 may be configured for operating using portions (e.g., a sub-band, a BWP) or all of a carrier bandwidth.

[0084] Signal waveforms transmitted via a carrier may be made up of multiple subcarriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques such as orthogonalfrequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)). In a system employing MCM techniques, a resource element may refer to resources of one symbol period (e.g., a duration of one modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, in which case the symbol period and subcarrier spacing may be inversely related. The quantity of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the coding rate of the modulation scheme, or both), such that a relatively higher quantity of resource elements (e.g., in a transmission duration) and a relatively higher order of a modulation scheme may correspond to a relatively higher rate of communication. A wireless communications resource may refer to a combination of an RF spectrum resource, a time resource, and a spatial resource (e.g., a spatial layer, a beam), and the use of multiple spatial resources may increase the data rate or data integrity for communications with a UE 115.

[0085] One or more numerologies for a carrier may be supported, and a numerology may include a subcarrier spacing (A ) and a cyclic prefix. A carrier may be divided into one or more BWPs having the same or different numerologies. In some examples, a UE 115 may be configured with multiple BWPs. In some examples, a single BWP for a carrier may be active at a given time and communications for the UE 115 may be restricted to one or more active BWPs.

[0086] The time intervals for the network entities 105 or the UEs 115 may be expressed in multiples of a basic time unit which may, for example, refer to a sampling period of Ts= l / (A / mflx■ Ay) seconds, for which fmaxmay represent a supported subcarrier spacing, and Ay may represent a supported discrete Fourier transform (DFT) size. Time intervals of a communications resource may be organized according to radio frames each having a specified duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

[0087] Each frame may include multiple consecutively-numbered subframes or slots, and each subframe or slot may have the same duration. In some examples, a frame may be divided (e.g., in the time domain) into subframes, and each subframe may be further divided into a quantity of slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable quantity of slots, and the quantity of slots may depend on subcarrier spacing. Each slotmay include a quantity of symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol period). In some wireless communications systems 100, a slot may further be divided into multiple mini-slots associated with one or more symbols. Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may be associated with one or more (e.g., Ay) sampling periods. The duration of a symbol period may depend on the subcarrier spacing or frequency band of operation.

[0088] A subframe, a slot, a mini-slot, or a symbol may be the smallest scheduling unit (e.g., in the time domain) of the wireless communications system 100 and may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In some examples, the TTI duration (e.g., a quantity of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable. Additionally, or alternatively, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communications system 100 may be dynamically selected (e.g., in bursts of shortened TTIs (sTTIs)).

[0089] Physical channels may be multiplexed for communication using a carrier according to various techniques. A physical control channel and a physical data channel may be multiplexed for signaling via a downlink carrier, for example, using one or more of time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques, frequency division multiplexing (FDM) techniques, or hybrid TDM-FDM techniques. A control region (e.g., a control resource set (CORESET)) for a physical control channel may be defined by a set of symbol periods and may extend across the system bandwidth or a subset of the system bandwidth of the carrier. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESETs) may be configured for a set of the UEs 115. For example, one or more of the UEs 115 may monitor or search control regions for control information according to one or more search space sets, and each search space set may include one or multiple control channel candidates in one or more aggregation levels arranged in a cascaded manner. An aggregation level for a control channel candidate may refer to an amount of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCEs)) associated with encoded information for a control information format having a given payload size. Search space sets may include common search space sets configured for sending control information to multiple UEs 115 and UE-specific search space sets for sending control information to a specific UE 115.

[0090] A network entity 105 may provide communication coverage via one or more cells, for example a macro cell, a small cell, a hot spot, or other types of cells, or any combination thereof. The term “cell” may refer to a logical communication entity used for communication with a network entity 105 (e.g., using a carrier) and may be associated with an identifier for distinguishing neighboring cells (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCID), a virtual cell identifier (VCID), or others). In some examples, a cell also may refer to a coverage area 110 or a portion of a coverage area 110 (e.g., a sector) over which the logical communication entity operates. Such cells may range from smaller areas (e.g., a structure, a subset of structure) to larger areas depending on various factors such as the capabilities of the network entity 105. For example, a cell may be or include a building, a subset of a building, or exterior spaces between or overlapping with coverage areas 110, among other examples.

[0091] A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by the UEs 115 with service subscriptions with the network provider supporting the macro cell. A small cell may be associated with a lower-powered network entity 105 (e.g., a lower-powered base station 140), as compared with a macro cell, and a small cell may operate using the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed) frequency bands as macro cells. Small cells may provide unrestricted access to the UEs 115 with service subscriptions with the network provider or may provide restricted access to the UEs 115 having an association with the small cell (e.g., the UEs 115 in a closed subscriber group (CSG), the UEs 115 associated with users in a home or office). A network entity 105 may support one or multiple cells and may also support communications via the one or more cells using one or multiple component carriers.

[0092] In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., MTC, narrowband loT (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)) that may provide access for different types of devices.

[0093] In some examples, a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140, an RU 170) may be movable and therefore provide communication coverage for a moving coverage area 110. In some examples, different coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may overlap, but the different coverage areas 110 may be supported by thesame network entity 105. In some other examples, the overlapping coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may be supported by different network entities 105. The wireless communications system 100 may include, for example, a heterogeneous network in which different types of the network entities 105 provide coverage for various coverage areas 110 using the same or different radio access technologies.

[0094] The wireless communications system 100 may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, network entities 105 (e.g., base stations 140) may have similar frame timings, and transmissions from different network entities 105 may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, network entities 105 may have different frame timings, and transmissions from different network entities 105 may, in some examples, not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for either synchronous or asynchronous operations.

[0095] Some UEs 115, such as MTC or loT devices, may be low cost or low complexity devices and may provide for automated communication between machines (e.g., via Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication). M2M communication or MTC may refer to data communication technologies that allow devices to communicate with one another or a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140) without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC may include communications from devices that integrate sensors or meters to measure or capture information and relay such information to a central server or application program that uses the information or presents the information to humans interacting with the application program. Some UEs 115 may be designed to collect information or enable automated behavior of machines or other devices. Examples of applications for MTC devices include smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, healthcare monitoring, wildlife monitoring, weather and geological event monitoring, fleet management and tracking, remote security sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based business charging.

[0096] Some UEs 115 may be configured to employ operating modes that reduce power consumption, such as half-duplex communications (e.g., a mode that supports one-way communication via transmission or reception, but not transmission and reception concurrently). In some examples, half-duplex communications may beperformed at a reduced peak rate. Other power conservation techniques for the UEs 115 include entering a power saving deep sleep mode when not engaging in active communications, operating using a limited bandwidth (e.g., according to narrowband communications), or a combination of these techniques. For example, some UEs 115 may be configured for operation using a narrowband protocol type that is associated with a defined portion or range (e.g., set of subcarriers or resource blocks (RBs)) within a carrier, within a guard-band of a carrier, or outside of a carrier.

[0097] The wireless communications system 100 may be configured to support ultra-reliable communications or low-latency communications, or various combinations thereof. For example, the wireless communications system 100 may be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). The UEs 115 may be designed to support ultra-reliable, low-latency, or critical functions. Ultra-reliable communications may include private communication or group communication and may be supported by one or more services such as push-to-talk, video, or data. Support for ultra-reliable, low-latency functions may include prioritization of services, and such services may be used for public safety or general commercial applications. The terms ultra-reliable, low-latency, and ultra-reliable low-latency may be used interchangeably herein.

[0098] In some examples, a UE 115 may be configured to support communicating directly with other UEs 115 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 135 (e.g., in accordance with a peer-to-peer (P2P), D2D, or sidelink protocol). In some examples, one or more UEs 115 of a group that are performing D2D communications may be within the coverage area 110 of a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140, an RU 170), which may support aspects of such D2D communications being configured by (e.g., scheduled by) the network entity 105. In some examples, one or more UEs 115 of such a group may be outside the coverage area 110 of a network entity 105 or may be otherwise unable to or not configured to receive transmissions from a network entity 105. In some examples, groups of the UEs 115 communicating via D2D communications may support a one-to-many (1 :M) system in which each UE 115 transmits to each of the other UEs 115 in the group. In some examples, a network entity 105 may facilitate the scheduling of resources for D2D communications. In some otherexamples, D2D communications may be carried out between the UEs 115 without an involvement of a network entity 105.

[0099] In some systems, a D2D communication link 135 may be an example of a communication channel, such as a sidelink communication channel, between vehicles (e.g., UEs 115). In some examples, vehicles may communicate using vehicle-to- everything (V2X) communications, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, or some combination of these. A vehicle may signal information related to traffic conditions, signal scheduling, weather, safety, emergencies, or any other information relevant to a V2X system. In some examples, vehicles in a V2X system may communicate with roadside infrastructure, such as roadside units, or with the network via one or more network nodes (e.g., network entities 105, base stations 140, RUs 170) using vehicle-to- network (V2N) communications, or with both.

[0100] The core network 130 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or 5G core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF)) and at least one user plane entity that routes packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a Packet Data Network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)). The control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management for the UEs 115 served by the network entities 105 (e.g., base stations 140) associated with the core network 130. User IP packets may be transferred through the user plane entity, which may provide IP address allocation as well as other functions. The user plane entity may be connected to IP services 150 for one or more network operators. The IP services 150 may include access to the Internet, Intranet(s), an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or a Packet-Switched Streaming Service.

[0101] The wireless communications system 100 may operate using one or more frequency bands, which may be in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Generally, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is known as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelengths range fromapproximately one decimeter to one meter in length. UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features, which may be referred to as clusters, but the waves may penetrate structures sufficiently for a macro cell to provide service to the UEs 115 located indoors. Communications using UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter ranges (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) compared to communications using the smaller frequencies and longer waves of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

[0102] The wireless communications system 100 may also operate using a super high frequency (SHF) region, which may be in the range of 3 GHz to 30 GHz, also known as the centimeter band, or using an extremely high frequency (EHF) region of the spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz), also known as the millimeter band. In some examples, the wireless communications system 100 may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between the UEs 115 and the network entities 105 (e.g., base stations 140, RUs 170), and EHF antennas of the respective devices may be smaller and more closely spaced than UHF antennas. In some examples, such techniques may facilitate using antenna arrays within a device. The propagation of EHF transmissions, however, may be subject to even greater attenuation and shorter range than SHF or UHF transmissions. The techniques disclosed herein may be employed across transmissions that use one or more different frequency regions, and designated use of bands across these frequency regions may differ by country or regulating body.

[0103] The wireless communications system 100 may utilize both licensed and unlicensed RF spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communications system 100 may employ License Assisted Access (LAA), LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology using an unlicensed band such as the 5 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band. While operating using unlicensed RF spectrum bands, devices such as the network entities 105 and the UEs 115 may employ carrier sensing for collision detection and avoidance. In some examples, operations using unlicensed bands may be based on a carrier aggregation configuration in conjunction with component carriers operating using a licensed band (e.g., LAA). Operations using unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, P2P transmissions, or D2D transmissions, among other examples.

[0104] A network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140, an RU 170) or a UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas, which may be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. The antennas of a network entity 105 or a UE 115 may be located within one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels, which may support MIMO operations or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some examples, antennas or antenna arrays associated with a network entity 105 may be located at diverse geographic locations. A network entity 105 may include an antenna array with a set of rows and columns of antenna ports that the network entity 105 may use to support beamforming of communications with a UE 115. Likewise, a UE 115 may include one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally, or alternatively, an antenna panel may support RF beamforming for a signal transmitted via an antenna port.

[0105] The network entities 105 or the UEs 115 may use MIMO communications to exploit multipath signal propagation and increase spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers. Such techniques may be referred to as spatial multiplexing. The multiple signals may, for example, be transmitted by the transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Likewise, the multiple signals may be received by the receiving device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Each of the multiple signals may be referred to as a separate spatial stream and may carry information associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams (e.g., different codewords). Different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports used for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO techniques include single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO), for which multiple spatial layers are transmitted to the same receiving device, and multiple-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), for which multiple spatial layers are transmitted to multiple devices.

[0106] Beamforming, which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception, is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitting device or a receiving device (e.g., a network entity 105, a UE 115) to shape or steer an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam, a receive beam) along a spatialpath between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming may be achieved by combining the signals communicated via antenna elements of an antenna array such that some signals propagating along particular orientations with respect to an antenna array experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference. The adjustment of signals communicated via the antenna elements may include a transmitting device or a receiving device applying amplitude offsets, phase offsets, or both to signals carried via the antenna elements associated with the device. The adjustments associated with each of the antenna elements may be defined by a beamforming weight set associated with a particular orientation (e.g., with respect to the antenna array of the transmitting device or receiving device, or with respect to some other orientation).

[0107] A network entity 105 or a UE 115 may use beam sweeping techniques as part of beamforming operations. For example, a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140, an RU 170) may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays (e.g., antenna panels) to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE 115. Some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted by a network entity 105 multiple times along different directions. For example, the network entity 105 may transmit a signal according to different beamforming weight sets associated with different directions of transmission. Transmissions along different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by a transmitting device, such as a network entity 105, or by a receiving device, such as a UE 115) a beam direction for later transmission or reception by the network entity 105.

[0108] Some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device, may be transmitted by transmitting device (e.g., a transmitting network entity 105, a transmitting UE 115) along a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with the receiving device, such as a receiving network entity 105 or a receiving UE 115). In some examples, the beam direction associated with transmissions along a single beam direction may be determined based on a signal that was transmitted along one or more beam directions. For example, a UE 115 may receive one or more of the signals transmitted by the network entity 105 along different directions and may report to thenetwork entity 105 an indication of the signal that the UE 115 received with a highest signal quality or an otherwise acceptable signal quality.

[0109] In some examples, transmissions by a device (e.g., by a network entity 105 or a UE 115) may be performed using multiple beam directions, and the device may use a combination of digital precoding or beamforming to generate a combined beam for transmission (e.g., from a network entity 105 to a UE 115). The UE 115 may report feedback that indicates precoding weights for one or more beam directions, and the feedback may correspond to a configured set of beams across a system bandwidth or one or more sub-bands. The network entity 105 may transmit a reference signal (e.g., a cell-specific reference signal (CRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI- RS)), which may be precoded or unprecoded. The UE 115 may provide feedback for beam selection, which may be a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) or codebook-based feedback (e.g., a multi-panel type codebook, a linear combination type codebook, a port selection type codebook). Although these techniques are described with reference to signals transmitted along one or more directions by a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140, an RU 170), a UE 115 may employ similar techniques for transmitting signals multiple times along different directions (e.g., for identifying a beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by the UE 115) or for transmitting a signal along a single direction (e.g., for transmitting data to a receiving device).

[0110] A receiving device (e.g., a UE 115) may perform reception operations in accordance with multiple receive configurations (e.g., directional listening) when receiving various signals from a transmitting device (e.g., a network entity 105), such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals. For example, a receiving device may perform reception in accordance with multiple receive directions by receiving via different antenna subarrays, by processing received signals according to different antenna subarrays, by receiving according to different receive beamforming weight sets (e.g., different directional listening weight sets) applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, or by processing received signals according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, any of which may be referred to as “listening” according to different receive configurations or receive directions. In some examples, a receiving device may use a single receiveconfiguration to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when receiving a data signal). The single receive configuration may be aligned along a beam direction determined based on listening according to different receive configuration directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have a highest signal strength, highest signal-to- noise ratio (SNR), or otherwise acceptable signal quality based on listening according to multiple beam directions).[OHl] The wireless communications system 100 may be a packet-based network that operates according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, communications at the bearer or PDCP layer may be IP -based. An RLC layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate via logical channels. A MAC layer may perform priority handling and multiplexing of logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer also may implement error detection techniques, error correction techniques, or both to support retransmissions to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, an RRC layer may provide establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UE 115 and a network entity 105 or a core network 130 supporting radio bearers for user plane data. A PHY layer may map transport channels to physical channels.

[0112] The UEs 115 and the network entities 105 may support retransmissions of data to increase the likelihood that data is received successfully. Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback is one technique for increasing the likelihood that data is received correctly via a communication link (e.g., a communication link 125, a D2D communication link 135). HARQ may include a combination of error detection (e.g., using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC), and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ may improve throughput at the MAC layer in poor radio conditions (e.g., low signal-to-noise conditions). In some examples, a device may support same-slot HARQ feedback, in which case the device may provide HARQ feedback in a specific slot for data received via a previous symbol in the slot. In some other examples, the device may provide HARQ feedback in a subsequent slot, or according to some other time interval.

[0113] A UE 115 may receive an indication that a first cellular-based access and a second cellular-based access are both available for a data session for communicating data. The UE 115 may select the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-basedaccess for the data session based at least in part on one or more of: a first CM state of the UE 115 on the first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the UE 115 on the second cellular-based access. The UE 115 may communicate the data during the data session via the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access in accordance with the selecting.

[0114] A first network function (e.g., an AMF within or coupled with a core network, in this example) may obtain information identifying an event list identifying one or more events associated with a UE 115, at least one event in the event list comprising a CM state event. The first network function may monitor, for one or more cellular-based accesses associated with the UE, a CM state of the UE to determine that the CM state has changed from a first CM state to a second CM state, wherein the change of the CM state triggers the CM state event. The first network function may provide, based on the CM state event being triggered, an indication to a second network function that the CM state of the UE 115 has changed to a connected mode or to an idle mode.

[0115] A first network function (e.g., an SMF within or coupled with a core network, in this example) may obtain rules prioritizing a data session between a UE 115 and a second network function based on a first CM state of the UE 115 on a first cellular-based access, a second CM state of the UE 115 on a second cellular-based access, or both. The first network function may obtain information identifying a CM state of the UE 115 for the first cellular-based access and for the second cellular-based access, the CM state comprising a connected mode or an idle mode. The first network function may provide, to the UE 115, to the second network function, or both, an indication that the UE 115, the second network function, or both, are to prioritize selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access according to the rules and based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0116] A first network function (e.g., a UPF within or coupled with a core network, in this example) may obtain rules prioritizing a data session with a UE 115 based on a first CM state of the UE 115 on a first cellular-based access or a second CM state of the UE 115 on a second cellular-based access. The first network function may obtain information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access, for thesecond cellular-based access, or both, the CM state comprising a connected mode or an idle mode. The first network function may exchange data with the UE 115 via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, based on the first CM state and the second CM state.

[0117] FIG. 2 shows an example of a dual-access scheme 200 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Dual-access scheme 200 may implement aspects of wireless communications system 100. Dual-access scheme 200 may include a UE 205, which may be an example of the corresponding device described herein.

[0118] Wireless networks may utilize dual-access technologies to enable the UE 205 to communicate data over more than one access technology. The UE 205 may have multiple cellular-based accesses available for communicating data (e.g., uplink and / or downlink communications). For example, the UE 205 may have a first access 220 associated with a first data session (e.g., a PDU session, a part of a PDU session, an access leg, etc.) and a second access 225 associated with a second data session for communicating data between the UE 205 and a server host 210. The server host 210 may be any server associated with communicating data with the UE 205. For example, the server host 210 may be a component within or coupled with a core network or may be separate from the core network. The server host 210 may represent any device, function, or component that communicates data, information, and the like, with the UE 205. In some examples, an SMF within or operably and communicatively coupled with a core network may manage aspects of the PDU session along with the UPF.

[0119] Each access may include a cellular-based access as well as a UPF that manages aspects of the data session with the UE 205 on each access. For example, the first access 220 may be associated with a first cellular-based access 230 operably and communicatively coupled with a UPF 235 via an N3 interface while the second access 225 may be associated with a second cellular-based access 240 operably and communicatively coupled with a UPF 245 also via an N3 interface. A UPF 215 may be a PDU session anchor (PSA) UPF that manages aspects of the data communications between the UE 205 and the server host 210. For example, the UPF 215 may be operably and communicatively coupled with the UPF 235 of the first access 220 and with UPF 245 of the second access 225. Accordingly, the UE 205 may have available orotherwise support a multiple-access PDU session with two 3GPP accesses (e.g., with two cellular-based access technologies).

[0120] In some networks, access traffic steering, switching and splitting (ATSSS)- based steering mode rules may be defined for the UE 205 that generally provide guidance (e.g., prioritization) when selecting an access for a PDU session between the UE 205 and the server host 210. One example of the steering modes includes an activestandby steering mode where: if an active access is available, steer all traffic of the service and data flow (SDF) over the active access. Otherwise, if an active access is not available and a standby access is active, switch all traffic to the standby access. Another example of the steering modes includes a smallest delay steering mode where: if both accesses are available, steer all traffic to the access that is determined to have the smallest round-trip time (RTT). Otherwise, use the only access available to the UE 205.

[0121] Another example of the steering modes includes a load balancing (e.g., 80% access 1, 20% access 2) steering mode where: if both accesses are available, split the data traffic across both accesses according to load indication. Otherwise, use the only access available to the UE 205. Another example of the steering modes includes a priority based steering mode where: if both accesses are available, steer all of the traffic to the high priority access, until this access is determined to be congested (and the traffic is then sent also over the other, low priority access). Otherwise, use the only access available to the UE 205. A final example of the steering modes includes a redundant steering mode where: if both accesses are available, duplicate traffic over both accesses. If a primary access (PA) is not provided or indicated, the UE and UPF may duplicate all traffic. If the PA is provided, duplication of the traffic over other (e.g., non-primary) access may be based on UE / UPF implementation. Otherwise, use the only access available to the UE 205.

[0122] Such steering modes rely on the availability or unavailability of the two (or more) accesses. However, a cellular-based access is generally considered available whether the CM-state of the UE 205 is in CM idle (e.g., an idle mode) or in CM connected (e.g., a connected mode). That is, although the UE 205 may have two cellular-based access available (e.g., the UE 205 may have a data session established), one or both accesses may be in the idle mode or the connected mode. The UE 205 using a dual cellular-based access PDU session may use both accesses at the same time. Thismay lead to excessive UE power consumption if not properly coordinated because a UE 205 may be forced to switch from the idle mode to the connected mode on one 3 GPP access even though the other 3GPP access is already in the connected mode.Accordingly, such techniques are inefficient, increase latency (e.g., due to the switching time), and may disrupt the data session between the UE 205 and the server host 210.

[0123] Accordingly, aspects of the techniques described herein provide various mechanisms to consider the CM state of the UE 205 on each available cellular-based access for a data session between the UE 205 and the server host 210. For example, the UE 205 may receive or otherwise obtain an indication that a first cellular-based access and a second cellular-based access (e.g., dual 3GPP accesses) are both available for a data session to communicate data to the UE 205. The data being communicated may be uplink data or downlink data.

[0124] The UE 205 and the UPF 215 may identify or otherwise determine the CM state of the UE 205 on each available access. That is, the UE 205, the UPF 215, or other network function(s) (e.g., SMF or AMF) may determine whether the UE 205 is in the connected mode or the idle mode on the first cellular-based access (a first CM state on the first 3GPP access) and is in the connected mode or the idle mode on the second cellular-based access (a second CM state on the second 3GPP access). The UE 205 or network function may select the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access based on the first CM state and the second CM state.

[0125] For example, the UE 205 or the network function may select the cellularbased access where the UE 205 is in the connected mode CM state for the data session to communicate the data. When the UE 205 is in the connected mode on the first cellular-based access and in the idle mode on the second cellular-based access, the first cellular-based access may be selected for use during the data session. When the UE 205 is in the connected mode on the second cellular-based access and in the idle mode on the first cellular-based access, the second cellular-based access may be selected for use during the data session. When the UE 205 is in the connected mode on both the first and second cellular-based accesses, either or both accesses may be selected for the data session (e.g., according to the steering mode rules discussed above). When the UE 205 is in the idle mode on both the first and second cellular-based accesses, the steering modes discussed above may be used to select the access for the data session.

[0126] Accordingly, aspects of the techniques discussed herein may prioritize the CM state of the UE 205 on each available 3 GPP access when steering traffic during a data session. In some examples, this may include the UE 205 being configured with rules indicating both the steering mode indicator and a CM state priority indicator, where the CM state of the UE 205 on each access is prioritized over the steering mode rules discussed above. In another example, this may include the UE 205 being configured with updated or new steering modes that are CM-centric steering modes. For example, each steering mode rule configured for the UE 205 may be based, at least to some degree, on the CM state of the UE 205 on each available 3GPP access.

[0127] The UE 205 may communicate the data with the server host 210 during the data session via the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access in accordance with the selecting. That is, if the CM state of the UE 205 on the first cellular-based access 230 is the connected mode, the UE 205 and the server host 210 may communicate data during the data session on the first access 220. Additionally, or alternatively, if the CM state of the UE 205 on the second cellular-based access 240 is the connected mode, the UE 205 and the server host 210 may communicate data during the data session on the second access 225.

[0128] FIG. 3 shows an example of a dual-access scheme 300 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Dual-access scheme 300 may implement aspects of wireless communications system 100 or aspects of dual-access scheme 200. Dual-access scheme 300 may include a UE 305, which may be an example of the corresponding device described herein.

[0129] Wireless networks using dual-access schemes may include a D3 A PDU session being established within a single public land mobile network (PLMN) (e.g., a first access 310) or may be established with one 3GPP access over a primary PLMN (e.g., the first access 310) and the other 3 GPP access over a another (e.g., a secondary) PLMN or stand-alone non-private network (SNPN) (e.g., a second access 315). The location(s) covered by the PLMN, the local SNPN, or both, may be permanent or temporary coverage areas. The PLMN and SNPN may be managed by the same network operator or by different network operators (e.g., partnered or associated network operators). The 3GPP accesses may be the same or a different radio access technology(RAT), such as NR and NR, non-terrestrial network (NTN) and NTN, NR and LTE, NR and NTN, or other combinations of cellular-based access technologies.

[0130] Each available access may include various RAN or other network functions that may be operably or communicatively coupled within a core network or across different core networks to communicate data with the UE 305 during the data session. For example, the first access 310 may include a first cellular-based access 320 (e.g., a first 3 GPP access) providing RAN functionality between the UE 305 and the network. The first cellular-based access 320 may be a wireless access where the UE 305 communicates over a wireless medium to one or more network entities, cells, or other RAN components of a wireless network, such as over an N1 interface.

[0131] The first cellular-based access 320 may be operably or communicatively coupled with one or more network functions that manage aspects of wireless communications or data traffic between the network and the UE 305. For example, the first cellular-based access 320 may have an N2 interface with an AMF 325. The AMF 325 may manage aspects of wireless access for the UE 305, such as registration, mobility, authentication / security, and other functionality. The AMF 325 may also manage aspects of message transport and routing (e.g., aspects of PDU session management) during the data session for the first access 310. The AMF 325 may be operably or communicatively coupled with an SMF 330, such as over an N11 interface. In some aspects, the AMF 325 may manage aspects of selecting an appropriate SMF during a PDU session establishment. The SMF 330 may manage aspects of a decoupled data plane, such as management of managing (e.g., creating, updating, and removing) PDU sessions, as well as the PDU session context, with the UPF 340.

[0132] The SMF 330 may be operably or communicatively coupled with a PCF 335, such as via an N7 interface. The PCF 335 may manage aspects of user plane resources for a data session, such as establishing policies or rules to be applied to the other components. For example, the PCF 335 may provide a unified policy framework governing network behavior. The SMF 330 may also be operably or communicatively coupled with the UPF 340, such as via n N4 interface. The UPF 340 may manage aspects of packet inspection and routing, serve as an anchor point for mobility (in some aspects), enforce policy rules (such as traffic steering rules), among other functionalities. For example, the UPF 340 may be operably or communicatively coupledwith the data network 345, such as via an N6 interface. The data network 345 may generally be, in this example, the end-user that is communicating data with the UE 305.

[0133] The second access 315 may similar include a second cellular-based access 350, an AMF 355, an SMF 360, and a UPF 365. Each of these components or network functions may operate similarly, but for the second access 315, as the corresponding components or network functions discussed above with respect to the first access 310. In some aspects, the SMF 330 of the first access 310 may be operably or communicatively coupled with the SMF 360 of the second access 315, such as via an N16 interface. For example, the SMF 330 and the SMF 360 may exchange information managing aspects of the data session with the UE 305 over the N16 interface. Similarly, in some examples the UPF 340 of the first access 310 may be operably or communicatively coupled with the UPF 365 of the second access 315. For example, the UPF 340 and the UPF 365 may exchange information managing aspects of the data session with the UE 305 over the N9 interface.

[0134] For the single PLMN use case the UE 305 may use that access (e.g., the only available access) for the data session. However, for the multiple access use case the UE 305 and other network function(s) may choose or otherwise select one or both available accesses (e.g., the first access 310, the second access 315, or both accesses) to use for the data session with a server host, such as the data network 345. In this example, aspects of the techniques discussed herein provide various example of consideration of the CM state of the UE 305 on each available access for a data session (e.g., to steer traffic across the multiple accesses).

[0135] For example, the UE 305 may receive or otherwise obtain an indication of the first cellular-based access 320 and the second cellular-based access 350 that are both available for a data session for communicating data. The UE 305 may receive or otherwise obtain the indication via a network entity, such as over the N1 interface (e.g., a Uu interface). The UE 305 (e.g., alone or in combination with other network functions within or across each access) may identify, determine, or otherwise select the first cellular-based access 320 (e.g., the first access 310) or the second cellular-based access 350 (e.g., the second access 315) for the data session based on the CM state of the UE 305 on each access. For example, the UE 305 may be in a connected mode (CM- connected) or in an idle mode (CM-idle) on each available access. A first CM state ofthe UE 305 on the first cellular-based access 320 and a second CM state of the UE 305 on the second cellular-based access 350 may be used to select which access will be used for the data session.

[0136] The first cellular-based access 320, the second cellular-based access 350, or both accesses may be selected for the data session based on the corresponding CM state of the UE 305 on the access. That is, the UE 305 or other network functions may select the first access 310 for the data session if the CM state of the UE 305 on the first cellular-based access 320 is the connected mode. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE 305 or other network functions may select the second access 315 for the data session if the CM state of the UE 305 on the second cellular-based access 350 is the connected mode. Accordingly, the CM state of the UE 305 on each available cellular-based access may be prioritized or otherwise considered when selecting which access to use for the data session for communicating the data with the UE 305.

[0137] In some aspects, this may be based on rules received by or otherwise associated with the UE 305. For example, the PCF 335 or other network function may propagate rules to the UE 305, the SMF 330 of the first access 310, the SMF 360 of the second access 315, or each component, indicating to prioritize the CM state of the UE 305 on each access for a data session (e.g., to communicate uplink or downlink data).

[0138] One example may include the rules corresponding to PCC rules that prioritize the CM state of the UE during data session steering. For example, the PCC rules may include a CM state priority indicator and a steering mode indicator being provided to the SMF 330, to the SMF 360, or to both. The CM state indicator may prioritize the data session based on the first CM state of the UE 305 on the first cellularbased access 320 and the second CM state of the UE 305 on the second cellular-based access 350. That is, the CM state priority indicator may indicate to the SMF that for certain application traffic subject to multiple-access PDU session control the UE CM state is prioritized with respect to the usage of a certain steering mode. The SMF may then provide or otherwise an indication of the prioritization of the CM state of the UE 305 to the UE 305 (e.g., via the first cellular-based access 320 or via the second cellular-based access 350). Based on the PCC rules, the SMF may prevent paging over a certain access (e.g., the access where the UE 305 is in the CM idle mode). An example CM state priority indicator may indicate to prioritize the UE CM state with respect tosteering modes. If the indicator is set, the UE 305 and network functions may use the access(es) in CM connected over an access where the UE 305 is in CM idle.

[0139] Additionally, or alternatively, another example may include redefining the steering modes to be used for the traffic steering during the data session based on the CM state of the UE 305. For example, the UE 305 may receive or otherwise obtain information identifying a set of steering modes to be applied when selecting the first or second cellular-based accesses for the data session. Broadly the steering modes in this example may be based on the CM state of the UE 305 on each available access (e.g., may depend on whether the UE 305 is in CM connected or in CM idle on each access). In some examples, the set of steering modes based on the CM status of the UE 305 may be in response to the PCC rules provided by the PCF 335 or may be separate from the PCC rules.

[0140] In some examples, the set of steering modes may be received by the UE 305 from the SMF (e.g., via the AMF and a cellular-based access). For example, extending the PCC rule definitions instructing the SMF to prioritize the CM state of the UE 305 may include the SMF sending updated or new ATSSS steering modes in the set of steering modes to the UE 305 (and to the UPF, in some examples). In this example, the extended steering modes may be used by the UE 305 or other network functions to prioritize the CM state over both 3 GPP accesses when selecting the access(es) to use for dual 3 GPP access PDU session. This may include newly defined steering modes, a flag indicating to give priority to the CM state of the UE 305 when applying conventional steering modes, or both.

[0141] For example, the newly defined steering modes in the set of steering modes may be CM state dependent. For example, the set of steering modes may include a CM state-dependent active- standby steering mode. One example CM state-dependent activestandby steering mode may include: if UE 305 is in CM connected over the active access, steer all traffic of SDF over the active access; if the UE 305 is in CM idle over the active access and the UE 305 is in CM connected over the standby access, switch all traffic to the standby access; and if the UE 305 is in CM idle over both accesses, steer all traffic of SDF over the active access. Another example CM state-dependent activestandby steering mode may include: if the UE 305 is in CM connected over one access only, then send all the SDF traffic over that access; if the UE 305 is in CM connectedover both accesses or in CM idle over both accesses, then steer all the SDF traffic over the active access.

[0142] Additionally, or alternatively, another example may include the set of steering modes including a CM state-dependent smallest delay steering mode. One example CM state-dependent smallest delay steering mode may include: if the UE 305 is in CM connected over both accesses, steer all the SDF traffic to the access that is determined to have the smallest round-trip time (RTT); if the UE 305 is in CM connected over one access only, steer all the SDF traffic over that access; if the UE 305 is in CM idle over both accesses, steer all the SDF traffic to the access that is determined to have the smallest RTT. Another example of a CM state-dependent smallest delay steering mode may include: if the UE 305 is in CM connected over one access only, then send all the SDF traffic over that access; if the UE 305 is in CM connected over both accesses or in CM idle over both accesses, then steer all the SDF traffic to the access that is determined to have the smallest RTT.

[0143] Additionally, or alternatively, another example may include the set of steering modes including a CM state-dependent load balancing steering mode. One example CM state-dependent load balancing steering mode may include: if the UE 305 is in CM connected over both accesses, then split the SDF traffic across both accesses according to a load indication; if the UE 305 is in CM connected over one access only, then send all the SDF traffic over that access; and if the UE 305 is in CM idle over both accesses, then split the SDF traffic across both accesses according to the load indication. Another example CM state-dependent load balancing steering mode may include: if the UE 305 is in CM connected over one access only, then send all the SDF traffic over that access; and if the UE 305 is in CM connected over both accesses or in CM idle over both accesses, then split the SDF traffic across both accesses according to the load indication.

[0144] Additionally, or alternatively, another example may include the set of steering modes including a CM state-dependent priority-based steering mode. One example CM state-dependent priority-based steering mode may include: if the UE 305 is in CM connected over both accesses, steer all the traffic to the high priority access, until this access is determined to be congested (and the traffic is sent also over the other access); if the UE 305 is in CM connected over one access only, send all the SDF trafficover that access; and if the UE 305 is in CM idle over both accesses, steer all the traffic to the high priority access, until this access is determined to be congested (and the traffic is sent also over the other priority access). Another example CM state-dependent priority-based steering mode may include: if the UE 305 is in CM connected over one access only, then send all the SDF traffic over the CM connected access; and if the UE 305 is in CM connected over both accesses or in CM idle over both accesses, then steer all the traffic to the high priority access, until this access is determined to be congested (and the traffic is sent also over the other priority access).

[0145] Additionally, or alternatively, another example may include the set of steering modes including a CM state-dependent redundancy-based steering mode. One example of a CM state-dependent redundancy-based steering mode may include: if the UE 305 is in CM connected over both accesses, duplicate traffic on both accesses (if a primary access is not provided, duplicate all traffic or, if provided, duplication over other (non-primary) accesses may be based on UE / UPF implementation); if the UE 305 is in CM connected over one access only, send all the SDF traffic over that access; if the UE 305 is in CM idle over both accesses, duplicate traffic across both accesses (if a primary access is not provided, duplicate all traffic or, if provided, duplication over other (non-primary) access may be based on UE / UPF implementation. Another example of a CM state-dependent redundancy-based steering mode may include: if the UE 305 is in CM connected over one access only, then send all the SDF traffic over the CM connected access; and if the UE 305 is in CM connected over both accesses or in CM idle over both accesses, then duplicate traffic across both accesses (if a primary access is not provided, duplicate all traffic or, if provided, duplication over other (non-primary) access may be based on UE / UPF implementation).

[0146] The flag indicating to give priority to the CM state of the UE 305 may be an additional or alternative approach where a flag is set to indicate to the UE 305 and other network functions that the CM state of the UE 305 is to be prioritized for a data session. The flag or indicator in this example may be information provided in an ATSSS rule that provides a CM state priority indicator in addition to the steering mode indicator. The CM state priority indicator may indicate to prioritize the UE CM state with respect to steering modes. When the indicator or flag is set, this may indicate for the UE 305 and UPF to use the access in the CM connected, such as when only one access is in CMconnected. In some examples, the flag / indicator may be applicable to each steering mode. When the indicator is set and when the UE 305 is in CM connected over only access only, then the UE 305 and UPF may use only that access to transfer all SDF data. If the indicator is not set or when the UE 305 is in CM connected or in CM idle over both accesses, then conventional steering modes may be applied to steer the PDU session data.

[0147] Accordingly, dual-access scheme 300 illustrates a non-limiting example of techniques to, in some examples, extend PCC rule definitions to instruct the SMF to prioritize the UE CM state versus ATSSS steering modes. Based on the extended PCC rules, the SMF may send ATSSS rules with new CM state-dependent steering modes to the UE 305, and to the UPF in some examples. This may include, in some examples, extending the definitions of existing ATSSS steering modes to be UE CM state dependent. Based on these, the UE 305 may prioritize UE CM state over both 3 GPP accesses when selecting the access(es) to use for a certain dual 3 GPP access PDU session. As discussed, on example may include the new definition for additional, UE CM state dependent, steering modes. Another example may include a new flag or indicator to give priority to the UE CM state when applying existing steering modes. Accordingly, the UE 305 may verify the CM state of each available access and apply the rules and / or CM state-dependent steering modes for traffic steering operations during a data session.

[0148] With these examples, both the UE 305 and various network functions may need to know the CM state of the UE 305 on each available access. The UE 305 will be aware of its CM state on each available access, but not necessarily the network function(s) associated with the data session (e.g., the SMF, SMF, UPF, and the like). For example, some networks may not provide mechanisms where the CM state of the UE 305 on each available access is known by the relevant network functions.

[0149] Accordingly, aspects of the techniques described herein provide for AMF to SMF signaling that extend the event exposure service (e.g., the Namf_EventExposure) to expose or otherwise include the UE CM state to the SMF. The SMF, in turn, may signal to the UPF to provide the UPF with the current (or a change to the current) UE CM state. This may include extending the SMF / UPF behavior to align the core network behavior with respect to the UE CM state.

[0150] For example, a first network function (e.g., AMF 325, AMF 355, or both) may receive or otherwise obtain information identifying an event list. The event list may generally identify or otherwise convey information identifying one or more events associated with the UE, such as a CM state event. The first network function may monitor the CM state of each cellular-based access (e.g., the first access 310 and the second access 315) available to the UE 305. For example, the first network function may monitor the CM state of the UE 305 to identify the current CM state for each available access or to identify or otherwise determine when one or more of the CM states of the UE 305 has changed on a corresponding one or more cellular-based accesses. According to the event list, a change in the CM state of the UE 305 on either or both available accesses may trigger the CM state event. Triggering the CM state event for one or more accesses of the UE 305 may cause the AMF to transmit or otherwise provide an indication to a second network function (e.g., the SMF) that the CM state of the UE 305 has changed (e.g., from the connected mode to the idle more or from the idle mode to the connected mode). In some example, the CM state event may include a change of CM state event that describes the switch of the UE CM state from CM idle to CM connected, or vice versa. The AMF may serve as the network function, in this example, that detects the change in CM state of the UE 305 and, in response, informs the SMF of the CM state change.

[0151] As discussed herein, aspects of the techniques described herein may include extending the SMF / UPF behavior to align the core network behavior with respect to the UE CM state. For example, this may include a first network function (e.g., the SMF, in this example) that receives or otherwise obtains rules prioritizing a data session between a UE and a second network function (e.g., the UPF, in this example). The rules may prioritize the data session based on the first CM state of the UE 305 on the first cellularbased access 320 (e.g., for the first access 310) or for the second CM state of the UE 305 on the second cellular-based access 350 (e.g., for the second access 315). For example, the SMF may obtain the rules from the PCF 335 or another core network or non-core network function (e.g., a different policy management function).

[0152] As discussed above, the rules may include the PCF 335 indicating the new PCC rules to the SMF that identifies the steering mode indication and the CM state priority indicator. The SMF, in turn, may provide rules to the UE 305 or to othernetwork functions indicating to prioritize the CM state of the UE on each available access during the data session. For example, the SMF may provide the updated CM state-dependent steering modes to be used where each steering mode (e.g., smallest delay, active-standby) is based on the CM state of the UE 305 for each available access. Another example may include the SMF including a flag or indicator in the ATSSS rules (or similar rules) that, when set, indicates to prioritize the CM state of the UE 305 on each available access over the steering modes.

[0153] The SMF may receive or otherwise obtain information identifying the CM state of the UE 305 for the first and second cellular-based accesses. For example, the AMF may send the UE CM state to the SMF, which may use this information to identify or otherwise determine whether the UE 305 is in CM connected or in CM idle for each available access. Accordingly, the SMF may transmit or otherwise provide an indication to the UE or a second network function (e.g., the UPF) to prioritize the CM state of the UE 305 on each available cellular-based access. That is, the SMF may manage aspects of the data session by indicating rules to be applied between the UPF and the UE 305 when steering the data over the available access(es) for the data session.

[0154] In some aspects, this may take one of several approaches in response to a change to the CM state of the UE 305 on one or each available cellular-based access. One approach may be that the SFM maintains the UE 305 in the CM idle (e.g., the idle mode) on the second cellular-based access 350 if the UE 305 is in CM connected mode on the first cellular-based access 320. In some aspects, this may be based on the second network function scheme to communicate the data to the UE 305 via the second cellular-based access 350. For example, the SMF may not initiate Namf_Communication_NlN2Transfer toward the AMF over a CM idle access if the other access is already in CM connected. That is, the SMF (e.g., based on the PCC rules and according to the steering modes sent to the UE 305) may not initiate Namf_Communication_NlN2Transfer toward AMF for a certain access if the UE 305 is in CM connected over the other access available for the data session.

[0155] Another approach may include the SMF establishing an N3 tunnel each time the UE 305 switches to CM connected, with the UPF interpreting establishment of the tunnel as an indication of the UE 305 being in the CM connected state on that access. For example and based on the PCC rules, the new steering modes sent to the UE 305and the UPF, and the subscription to the event list service and resulting notification from the AMF, the SMF may trigger establishment of the N3 tunnel when it receives a notification that the UE 305 has switched to CM connected (e.g., the CM state of the UE 305 has switched to the connected mode for an available access). In some examples, this may include a RAN user-plane resource allocation message or an N4 resource allocation procedure. The UPF, in this approach, may receive the new steering modes indication from the SMF and apply the steering modes with the understanding that existence of the N3 tunnel between the UPF and the RAN node implies that the UE 305 is in CM connected over that access. This approach may include the SMF triggering establishment of an N3 tunnel between the RAN and UPF when the UE is in CM connected over that access (e.g., an always-on tunnel). The UPF may support the same ATSSS steering modes sent to the UE 305 and prioritize the CM state when selecting the access(es) to use for the data session. The UPF may not send the DDN to the SMF when data arrives for a certain access of the N3 tunnel for the other access already exists.

[0156] Another approach may include the SMF exposing the UE CM state to the UPF via service-based architecture (SB A), where the UPF does not send an indication of a data network name (DNN) to the SMF for a certain access if the other access is in CM connected. For example, the SMF may provide the subscription request to the AMF requesting notification of a change to the first CM state of the UE 305 on the first cellular-based access 320 or a change to the second CM state of the UE 305 on the second cellular-based access 350. The SMF may obtain the indication from the AMF that the first or second CM states of the UE 305 have changed and provide an indication of the change to the UPF. For example, the SMF may provide an indication to the UPF that the CM state has changed from CM connected to the idle mode (e.g., by releasing an N3 tunnel for that access) or from the CM idle mode to the CM connected mode (e.g., by establishing the N3 tunnel for that access). Accordingly, this approach may include the SMF, based on the PCC rules, sending the new steering modes to the UE 305 and UPF, and subscription to the events exposure list and the resulting notification of the change, exposing the CM state of the UE to the UPF. The UPF, in this example, may receive or obtain the new steering modes, subscribe to the events exposure list from the AMF and receive the resulting notification of the change, applying the newsteering modes for the data session with the UE 305. This approach may extend the SMF event exposure to notify the UPF of change of UE CM state (which may include the UPF supporting SB A). The UPF may support the same ATSSS steering modes sent to the UE 305 wherein the UE CM state is prioritized when selecting the access(es) to use for the data session. The UPF may not send the DDN to the SMF when data has arrived for a certain access if the UE 305 is in CM idle over that access and in CM connected over the other access.

[0157] As one non-limiting example, this may include when the first 3GPP access would be used according to conventional steering modes (e.g., without considering the CM state of the UE 305 on an available access) and wen the UE 305 is in CM idle over that access but in CM connected over the second 3 GPP access, the UPF may not send a DDN to the SMF for the first 3 GPP access. Instead, the UPF may send the data to the UE over the second 3 GPP access.

[0158] As discussed above, aspects of the techniques described herein provide for extension of the Nsmf EventExposure service at the SMF to include the UPF as a consumer (e.g., registered to be notified of a change to the CM state of the UE 305).

[0159] Accordingly, the UPF in this example may receive or otherwise obtain rules prioritizing the data session with the UE 305 based on the first CM state of the UE 305 on the first cellular-based access 320 or the second CM state of the UE 305 on the second cellular-based access 350. The UPF may receive or otherwise obtain information identifying the CM state of the UE 305 on each access (e.g., CM connected or CM idle) available to the UE 305. The UPF may exchange data with the UE 305 over the cellularbased access selected according to the first or second CM states of the UE 305.

[0160] The UPF may transmit or provide a subscription request to the SMF for notification of a change to the first CM state or the second CM state of the UE 305. Based on receiving or otherwise obtaining an indication that the first or second CM state(s) of the UE 305 have changed, the UPF may select the cellular-based access associated with the CM connected mode for the data session.

[0161] FIG. 4 shows an example of a dual-access scheme 400 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Dual-access scheme 400 may implement aspects of wirelesscommunications system 100 or aspects of dual-access scheme 200 or dual-access scheme 300. Dual-access scheme 400 may include a UE 405, which may be an example of the corresponding device described herein.

[0162] Wireless networks using dual-access schemes may include dual-steering applied to 5G to sixth generation (6G) migration / interworking. This approach may allow a smooth transition from deployed 5G systems / accesses towards a 6G network. Dual-access scheme 400 illustrates a non-limiting example of a 5G / 6G network deployment.

[0163] For example, the UE 405 may be a dual-stack UE in that the UE 405 supports wireless communications via a 5G network (e.g., via a first cellular-based access 410) and a 6G network (e.g., via a second cellular-based access 415). The first cellular-based access 410 may include the RAN (e.g., the network entity) being operably or communicatively coupled with an AMF 420 that is operably or communicatively coupled with an SMF / data control center 430. The first cellular-based access 410 may also be operable or communicatively coupled with a UPF / DTS 425. The AMF 420, the SMF portion of the SMF / data control center 430, and the UPF portion of the UPF / DTS 425 may operate similarly as the corresponding devices described herein.

[0164] The second cellular-based access 415 may be operably or communicatively coupled (e.g., via a shared or common interface) with a mobility service 440 that manages aspects of mobility within the 6G network and a security service 445 that manages aspects of security / authentication within the 6G network. The second cellularbased access 415 may also be operably or communicatively coupled with the SMF / data control center 430 and PCF / policy service 435 that manages aspects of the prioritization rules (e.g., PCC rules or similar rules) within the 5G and 6G networks. The data control center portion of the SMF / data control center 430 may perform similar functions as described with reference to the SMF functions discussed herein. The UPF / DTS 425 may be operably or communicatively coupled with the data network 450, which may be another example of the end-user communicating data with the UE 405.

[0165] As discussed above, aspects of the techniques described herein provide for prioritization of the CM state of the UE 405 on each available access for a data session.For example, the UE 405 and other network functions may receive or otherwise obtain rules prioritizing the first CM state of the UE 405 on the first cellular-based access 410 and the second CM state of the UE 405 in the second cellular-based access 415. The UE 405 and other network functions may select the available access where the UE 405 is in the CM connected state for the data session.

[0166] For example, the prioritization rules may include the newly defined PCC rules provided to the SMF. The SMF, in turn, may provide updated steering modes or a CM state priority indicator to the UE 405 and other network functions that prioritizes the CM state of the UE 405 on each available access for a data session to communicate data between the UE 405 and the data network 450. As discussed above, this may include AMF to SMF signaling, SMF to UPF signaling, or both, that exposes the CM state of the UE 405 for each available access to the other network functions.

[0167] Accordingly, the data session used to communicate data with the UE 405 may be based on the CM state of the UE on any given available cellular-based access. This may mitigate delays, reduce power consumption, and provide other advantages for a dual-access scheme where the UE 405 has multiple accesses available for communicating data.

[0168] FIG. 5 shows an example of a message flow diagram 500 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Message flow diagram 500 may implement aspects of wireless communications system 100 or aspects of dual-access scheme 200, dual-access scheme 300, or dual-access scheme 400. Aspects of message flow diagram 500 may be implemented at or implemented by a UE 505, a RAN 510, an AMF 515, an SMF 520, or a UPF 525, which may be examples of the corresponding devices described herein. For example, the RAN 510 may be an example of a network entity providing a wireless access to the UE 505.

[0169] As discussed above, aspects of the techniques described herein provide various mechanisms to prioritize the CM state of the UE 505 on each available access when steering traffic during a data session. For example, PCC rules or other rules may be established that prioritize the first CM state of the UE 505 on a first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the UE 505 on a second cellular-based access. Aspectsof these techniques may include the SMF 520 establishing a tunnel (e.g., an N3 tunnel) each time the UE 505 switches to the CM connected on an access. Message flow diagram 500 illustrates a non-limiting example of establishment of the N3 tunnel and how this approach is interpreted by other network functions within the network.

[0170] At 530, the AMF 515 may transmit or otherwise provide an indication of an event exposure notification to the SMF 520. For example, the SMF 520 may be subscribed to the Namf EventExposure event list that instructs the AMF 515 to monitor and expose the CM status of the UE 505 for each cellular-based access of the UE 505. When the UE 505 changes from the idle mode (e.g., CM idle) to the connected mode (e.g., CM connected), or vice versa, the AMF 515 may provide the indication of the CM state change to the subscribed network functions, such as the SMF 520.

[0171] At 535, the SMF 520 may transmit or otherwise provide a session modification request message to the UPF 525. The message may be used to update the N4 session context of an existing PDU session at the UPF 525 (e.g., updating the userplane tunnel). That is, the message sent to the UPF 525 may contain the update for the structured control information that defines how the UPF 525 is to behave (e.g., with respect to data sessions with the UE 505). The session modification request message may carry or otherwise convey an indication that a tunnel is established between the RAN 510 and the UPF 525. The UPF 525 may interpret the establishment of the tunnel to indicate or otherwise expose that the UE 505 is in a CM connected mode on the cellular-based access associated with the tunnel.

[0172] At 540, the UPF 525 may transmit or otherwise provide a session modification response message. For example, the UPF 525 may identify the N4 session context to be modified by the N4 session identifier and update the parameters of this N4 session context according to the parameters indicated in the session modification request message. The UPF 525 may respond with the N4 session modification response message indicting information that the UPF 525 provides in response to the control information received from the SMF 520.

[0173] At 545, the SMF 520 may transmit or otherwise provide a transfer request message to the AMF 515. The transfer request message (e.g., an Namf_Communication_NlN2Transfer message) indicates information used to establisha non-access stratum (NAS) connection with the UE 505. For example, the message may carry or otherwise convey N3 tunnel information to be used for establishing a tunnel on the cellular-based access that the UE 505 is in CM connected mode on.

[0174] At 550, the AMF 515 may transmit or otherwise provide a transfer response message to the SMF 520. The response message may be an Namf_CommunictionNlN2Transfer message confirming the transfer request message was received.

[0175] At 555, the AMF 515 may transmit or otherwise provide a request message (e.g., an N2_Request message) to the RAN 510 that is associated with the UE 505. The request message may carry or otherwise information identifying the N3 tunnel information to be established with between the RAN 510 and the UE 505. At 560, the RAN 510 may respond with a request acknowledgment message confirming that the N3 tunnel was established. For example, the request acknowledgment message may confirm that the N3 tunnel has been established between the UE 505 and the RAN 510.

[0176] FIG. 6 shows an example of a message flow diagram 600 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Message flow diagram 600 may implement aspects of wireless communications system 100, aspects of dual-access scheme 200, dual-access scheme 300, or dual-access scheme 400, or aspects of message flow diagram 500. Aspects of message flow diagram 600 may be implemented at or implemented by an SMF 605 or a UPF 610, which may be examples of the corresponding devices described herein.

[0177] As discussed above, aspects of the techniques described herein provide various mechanisms to prioritize the CM state of the UE on each available access when steering traffic during a data session. For example, PCC rules or other rules may be established that prioritize the first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access. Message flow diagram 600 illustrates a non-limiting example of network function behavior over a cellular-based access that the UE is in the idle mode.

[0178] At 615, downlink data may arrive at the UPF 610 that is addressed to the UE. For example, the downlink data may arrive with a destination address or other forwarding information that carries or otherwise conveys an indication that thedownlink data is to be delivered to the UE. The UE may have at least one cellular-based access (e.g., the first cellular-based access) that is in the connected mode while the other cellular-based access (e.g., the second cellular-based access) that is in the idle mode. It may be assumed that the downlink data is targeting the other cellular-based access that is in the idle mode.

[0179] At 620, the UPF 610 may transmit or otherwise provide a data notification message to the SMF 605. The data notification message may indicate that the UPF 610 has downlink data to be delivered to the UE.

[0180] At 625, the SMF 605 may transmit or otherwise provide a data notification acknowledgement message to the UPF 610. The data notification acknowledgement message may carry or otherwise convey an indication that the SMF 605 has confirmed that the UPF 610 has downlink data to be delivered to the UE.

[0181] At 625, the SMF 605 may transmit or otherwise provide a failure indication to the UPF 610. The failure indication may indicate that the SMF can or will not provide the downlink data to the UE over the second cellular-based access. That is, traditionally the SMF 605 would respond to the downlink data message by performing an Namf_Communication_NlN2Message transfer / response exchange with the AMF to trigger establishment of a tunnel over the second cellular-based access. Instead, and in view of the UE being in the CM-state connected mode on the first cellular-based access, the SMF 605 may refuse or decline to send the downlink data to the UE over the second cellular-based access. At 640, this may force the UPF 610 to use the first cellular-based access (e.g., the access in the connected mode, in this example) to send the downlink data to the UE.

[0182] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram 700 of a device 705 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The device 705 may be an example of aspects of a UE 115 as described herein. The device 705 may include a receiver 710, a transmitter 715, and a communications manager 720. The device 705, or one or more components of the device 705 (e.g., the receiver 710, the transmitter 715, and the communications manager 720), may include at least one processor, which may be coupled with at least one memory, to, individually or collectively, support or enable the described techniques.Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0183] The receiver 710 may provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to UE CM state-based dual access steering). Information may be passed on to other components of the device 705. The receiver 710 may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

[0184] The transmitter 715 may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device 705. For example, the transmitter 715 may transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to UE CM state-based dual access steering). In some examples, the transmitter 715 may be co-located with a receiver 710 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 715 may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

[0185] The communications manager 720, the receiver 710, the transmitter 715, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of UE CM state-based dual access steering as described herein. For example, the communications manager 720, the receiver 710, the transmitter 715, or various combinations or components thereof may be capable of performing one or more of the functions described herein.

[0186] In some examples, the communications manager 720, the receiver 710, the transmitter 715, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in communications management circuitry). The hardware may include at least one of a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a microcontroller, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting, individually or collectively, a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, at least one processor and at least one memory coupled with the at least one processor may be configured toperform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by one or more processors, individually or collectively, executing instructions stored in the at least one memory).

[0187] Additionally, or alternatively, the communications manager 720, the receiver 710, the transmitter 715, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code (e.g., as communications management software or firmware) executed by at least one processor. If implemented in code executed by at least one processor, the functions of the communications manager 720, the receiver 710, the transmitter 715, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting, individually or collectively, a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure).

[0188] In some examples, the communications manager 720 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, obtaining, monitoring, outputting, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver 710, the transmitter 715, or both. For example, the communications manager 720 may receive information from the receiver 710, send information to the transmitter 715, or be integrated in combination with the receiver 710, the transmitter 715, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0189] The communications manager 720 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager 720 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for receiving an indication that a first cellular-based access and a second cellular-based access are both available for a data session for communicating data. The communications manager 720 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session based on one or more of: a first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access. The communications manager 720 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for communicating the data during the data session via the first cellular-based access or the second cellularbased access in accordance with the selecting.

[0190] By including or configuring the communications manager 720 in accordance with examples as described herein, the device 705 (e.g., at least one processor controlling or otherwise coupled with the receiver 710, the transmitter 715, the communications manager 720, or a combination thereof) may support techniques for prioritizing the CM state of the UE on each available access for traffic steering during a data session.

[0191] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram 800 of a device 805 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The device 805 may be an example of aspects of a device 705 or a UE 115 as described herein. The device 805 may include a receiver 810, a transmitter 815, and a communications manager 820. The device 805, or one of more components of the device 805 (e.g., the receiver 810, the transmitter 815, and the communications manager 820), may include at least one processor, which may be coupled with at least one memory, to support the described techniques. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0192] The receiver 810 may provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to UE CM state-based dual access steering). Information may be passed on to other components of the device 805. The receiver 810 may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

[0193] The transmitter 815 may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device 805. For example, the transmitter 815 may transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to UE CM state-based dual access steering). In some examples, the transmitter 815 may be co-located with a receiver 810 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 815 may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

[0194] The device 805, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of UE CM state-based dual access steering as described herein. For example, the communications manager 820 may include an accessmanager 825, an access selection manager 830, a data manager 835, or any combination thereof. The communications manager 820 may be an example of aspects of a communications manager 720 as described herein. In some examples, the communications manager 820, or various components thereof, may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, obtaining, monitoring, outputting, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver 810, the transmitter 815, or both. For example, the communications manager 820 may receive information from the receiver 810, send information to the transmitter 815, or be integrated in combination with the receiver 810, the transmitter 815, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0195] The communications manager 820 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The access manager 825 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for receiving an indication that a first cellular-based access and a second cellular-based access are both available for a data session for communicating data. The access selection manager 830 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session based on one or more of: a first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access. The data manager 835 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for communicating the data during the data session via the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access in accordance with the selecting.

[0196] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram 900 of a communications manager 920 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager 920 may be an example of aspects of a communications manager 720, a communications manager 820, or both, as described herein. The communications manager 920, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of UE CM state-based dual access steering as described herein. For example, the communications manager 920 may include an access manager 925, an access selection manager 930, a data manager 935, a rule manager 940, a steering mode manager 945, or any combination thereof. Each of these components, or components or subcomponents thereof (e.g., one or moreprocessors, one or more memories), may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0197] The communications manager 920 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The access manager 925 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for receiving an indication that a first cellular-based access and a second cellular-based access are both available for a data session for communicating data. The access selection manager 930 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session based on one or more of: a first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access. The data manager 935 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for communicating the data during the data session via the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access in accordance with the selecting.

[0198] In some examples, to support receiving the indication, the rule manager 940 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for receiving rules identifying a steering mode indicator and a CM state priority indicator, where the CM state priority indicator prioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state, where selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellularbased access is according to the rules and based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with a connected mode.

[0199] In some examples, to support selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access, the rule manager 940 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for selecting the first cellular-based access to communicate uplink data based on the first CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0200] In some examples, to support selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access, the rule manager 940 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for selecting the second cellular-based access to communicate uplink data based on the second CM state being associated with the connected mode. In some examples, the indication is received from a SMF.

[0201] In some examples, to support receiving the indication, the steering mode manager 945 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for receiving a PCC rule identifying a set of CM state-dependent steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session, where one or more CM state-dependent steering modes in the set of CM statedependent steering modes are based on the first CM state of the UE on the first cellularbased access or the second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access. In some examples, the set of CM state-dependent steering modes is a CM state-dependent active- standby steering mode, a CM state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a CM state-dependent load balancing steering mode, a CM state-dependent priority -based steering mode, a CM state-dependent redundancy -based steering mode, or a combination thereof.

[0202] In some examples, to support receiving the indication, the steering mode manager 945 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for receiving information identifying a steering mode indicator and a CM state priority indicator, where the CM state priority indicator prioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state over the steering mode indicator. In some examples, to support receiving the indication, the steering mode manager 945 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for selecting, according to at least the CM state priority indicator, the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with a connected mode.

[0203] FIG. 10 shows a diagram of a system 1000 including a device 1005 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The device 1005 may be an example of or include the components of a device 705, a device 805, or a UE 115 as described herein. The device 1005 may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with one or more network entities 105, one or more UEs 115, or any combination thereof. The device 1005 may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, such as a communications manager 1020, an input / output (UO) controller 1010, a transceiver 1015, an antenna 1025, at least one memory 1030, code 1035, and at least one processor 1040. These components may be inelectronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., a bus 1045).

[0204] The I / O controller 1010 may manage input and output signals for the device 1005. The I / O controller 1010 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the device 1005. In some cases, the I / O controller 1010 may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, the I / O controller 1010 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS / 2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. Additionally or alternatively, the I / O controller 1010 may represent or interact with a modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. In some cases, the I / O controller 1010 may be implemented as part of one or more processors, such as the at least one processor 1040. In some cases, a user may interact with the device 1005 via the I / O controller 1010 or via hardware components controlled by the I / O controller 1010.

[0205] In some cases, the device 1005 may include a single antenna 1025. However, in some other cases, the device 1005 may have more than one antenna 1025, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver 1015 may communicate bi-directionally, via the one or more antennas 1025, wired, or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceiver 1015 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1015 may also include a modem to modulate the packets, to provide the modulated packets to one or more antennas 1025 for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the one or more antennas 1025. The transceiver 1015, or the transceiver 1015 and one or more antennas 1025, may be an example of a transmitter 715, a transmitter 815, a receiver 710, a receiver 810, or any combination thereof or component thereof, as described herein.

[0206] The at least one memory 1030 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The at least one memory 1030 may store computer- readable, computer-executable code 1035 including instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 1040, cause the device 1005 to perform various functions described herein. The code 1035 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, the code 1035 may not be directly executable by the at least one processor 1040 but may cause acomputer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein. In some cases, the at least one memory 1030 may contain, among other things, a basic I / O system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0207] The at least one processor 1040 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the at least one processor 1040 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the at least one processor 1040. The at least one processor 1040 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the at least one memory 1030) to cause the device 1005 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting UE CM state-based dual access steering). For example, the device 1005 or a component of the device 1005 may include at least one processor 1040 and at least one memory 1030 coupled with or to the at least one processor 1040, the at least one processor 1040 and at least one memory 1030 configured to perform various functions described herein. In some examples, the at least one processor 1040 may include multiple processors and the at least one memory 1030 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled with one or more of the multiple memories, which may, individually or collectively, be configured to perform various functions herein. In some examples, the at least one processor 1040 may be a component of a processing system, which may refer to a system (such as a series) of machines, circuitry (including, for example, one or both of processor circuitry (which may include the at least one processor 1040) and memory circuitry (which may include the at least one memory 1030)), or components, that receives or obtains inputs and processes the inputs to produce, generate, or obtain a set of outputs. The processing system may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein. As such, the at least one processor 1040 or a processing system including the at least one processor 1040 may be configured to, configurable to, or operable to cause the device 1005 to perform one or more of the functions described herein. Further, as described herein, being “configured to,” being “configurable to,” and being “operable to” may beused interchangeably and may be associated with a capability, when executing code stored in the at least one memory 1030 or otherwise, to perform one or more of the functions described herein.

[0208] The communications manager 1020 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager 1020 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for receiving an indication that a first cellular-based access and a second cellular-based access are both available for a data session for communicating data. The communications manager 1020 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session based on one or more of: a first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access. The communications manager 1020 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for communicating the data during the data session via the first cellular-based access or the second cellularbased access in accordance with the selecting.

[0209] By including or configuring the communications manager 1020 in accordance with examples as described herein, the device 1005 may support techniques for prioritizing the CM state of the UE on each available access for traffic steering during a data session.

[0210] In some examples, the communications manager 1020 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the transceiver 1015, the one or more antennas 1025, or any combination thereof. Although the communications manager 1020 is illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communications manager 1020 may be supported by or performed by the at least one processor 1040, the at least one memory 1030, the code 1035, or any combination thereof. For example, the code 1035 may include instructions executable by the at least one processor 1040 to cause the device 1005 to perform various aspects of UE CM state-based dual access steering as described herein, or the at least one processor 1040 and the at least one memory 1030 may be otherwise configured to, individually or collectively, perform or support such operations.

[0211] FIG. 11 shows a block diagram 1100 of a device 1105 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The device 1105 may be an example of aspects of a network function as described herein, such as an AMF, SMF, UPF, or other network function. The device 1105 may include a receiver 1110, a transmitter 1115, and a communications manager 1120. The device 1105, or one or more components of the device 1105 (e.g., the receiver 1110, the transmitter 1115, and the communications manager 1120), may include at least one processor, which may be coupled with at least one memory, to, individually or collectively, support or enable the described techniques. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0212] The receiver 1110 may provide a means for receiving or otherwise obtaining information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to UE CM state-based dual access steering). Information may be passed on to other components of the device 1105. The receiver 1110 may utilize an interface to communicate with other network functions.

[0213] The transmitter 1115 may provide a means for transmitting or otherwise providing signals generated by other components of the device 1105. For example, the transmitter 1115 may transmit or provide information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to UE CM statebased dual access steering). In some examples, the transmitter 1115 may be co-located with a receiver 1110 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 1115 may utilize an interface to communicate with other network functions.

[0214] The communications manager 1120, the receiver 1110, the transmitter 1115, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of UE CM state-based dual access steering as described herein. For example, the communications manager 1120, the receiver 1110, the transmitter 1115, or various combinations or components thereof may be capable of performing one or more of the functions described herein.

[0215] In some examples, the communications manager 1120, the receiver 1110, the transmitter 1115, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in communications management circuitry). The hardware may include at least one of a processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a microcontroller, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting, individually or collectively, a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, at least one processor and at least one memory coupled with the at least one processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by one or more processors, individually or collectively, executing instructions stored in the at least one memory).

[0216] Additionally, or alternatively, the communications manager 1120, the receiver 1110, the transmitter 1115, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code (e.g., as communications management software or firmware) executed by at least one processor. If implemented in code executed by at least one processor, the functions of the communications manager 1120, the receiver 1110, the transmitter 1115, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting, individually or collectively, a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure).

[0217] In some examples, the communications manager 1120 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, obtaining, monitoring, outputting, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver 1110, the transmitter 1115, or both. For example, the communications manager 1120 may receive information from the receiver 1110, send information to the transmitter 1115, or be integrated in combination with the receiver 1110, the transmitter 1115, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0218] The communications manager 1120 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager 1120 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaininginformation identifying an event list identifying one or more events associated with a UE, at least one event in the event list including a CM state event. The communications manager 1120 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for monitoring, for one or more cellular-based accesses associated with the UE, a CM state of the UE to determine that the CM state has changed from a first CM state to a second CM state, where the change of the CM state triggers the CM state event. The communications manager 1120 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for providing, basing on the CM state event being triggered, an indication to a second network function that the CM state of the UE has changed to a connected mode or to an idle mode.

[0219] Additionally, or alternatively, the communications manager 1120 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager 1120 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining rules prioritizing a data session between a UE and a second network function based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access, a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access, or both. The communications manager 1120 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellularbased access and for the second cellular-based access, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode. The communications manager 1120 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for providing, to the UE, to the second network function, or both, an indication that the UE, the second network function, or both, are to prioritize selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellularbased access according to the rules and based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0220] Additionally, or alternatively, the communications manager 1120 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager 1120 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining rules prioritizing a data session with a UE based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access or a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access. The communications manager 1120 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining information identifying aCM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode. The communications manager 1120 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for exchanging data with the UE via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, based on the first CM state and the second CM state.

[0221] By including or configuring the communications manager 1120 in accordance with examples as described herein, the device 1105 (e.g., at least one processor controlling or otherwise coupled with the receiver 1110, the transmitter 1115, the communications manager 1120, or a combination thereof) may support techniques for prioritizing the CM state of the UE on each available access for traffic steering during a data session.

[0222] FIG. 12 shows a block diagram 1200 of a device 1205 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The device 1205 may be an example of aspects of a device 1105 or a network function as described herein. The device 1205 may include a receiver 1210, a transmitter 1215, and a communications manager 1220. The device 1205, or one of more components of the device 1205 (e.g., the receiver 1210, the transmitter 1215, and the communications manager 1220), may include at least one processor, which may be coupled with at least one memory, to support the described techniques. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0223] The receiver 1210 may provide a means for receiving or otherwise obtaining information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to UE CM state-based dual access steering). Information may be passed on to other components of the device 1205. The receiver 1210 may utilize an interface for communicating with other network functions.

[0224] The transmitter 1215 may provide a means for transmitting or otherwise providing signals generated by other components of the device 1205. For example, the transmitter 1215 may transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels(e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to UE CM statebased dual access steering). In some examples, the transmitter 1215 may be co-located with a receiver 1210 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 1215 may utilize an interface for communicating with other network functions.

[0225] The device 1205, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of UE CM state-based dual access steering as described herein. For example, the communications manager 1220 may include an event manager 1225, a CM state manager 1230, a data session manager 1235, or any combination thereof. The communications manager 1220 may be an example of aspects of a communications manager 1120 as described herein. In some examples, the communications manager 1220, or various components thereof, may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, obtaining, monitoring, outputting, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver 1210, the transmitter 1215, or both. For example, the communications manager 1220 may receive information from the receiver 1210, send information to the transmitter 1215, or be integrated in combination with the receiver 1210, the transmitter 1215, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0226] The communications manager 1220 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The event manager 1225 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining information identifying an event list identifying one or more events associated with a UE, at least one event in the event list including a CM state event. The event manager 1225 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for monitoring, for one or more cellular-based accesses associated with the UE, a CM state of the UE to determine that the CM state has changed from a first CM state to a second CM state, where the change of the CM state triggers the CM state event. The event manager 1225 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for providing, based on the CM state event being triggered, an indication to a second network function that the CM state of the UE has changed to a connected mode or to an idle mode.

[0227] Additionally, or alternatively, the communications manager 1220 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. TheCM state manager 1230 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining rules prioritizing a data session between a UE and a second network function based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access, a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access, or both. The CM state manager 1230 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access and for the second cellular-based access, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode. The CM state manager 1230 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for providing, to the UE, to the second network function, or both, an indication that the UE, the second network function, or both, are to prioritize selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access according to the rules and based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0228] Additionally, or alternatively, the communications manager 1220 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The data session manager 1235 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining rules prioritizing a data session with a UE based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access or a second CM state of the UE on a second cellularbased access. The data session manager 1235 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode. The data session manager 1235 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for exchanging data with the UE via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, based on the first CM state and the second CM state.

[0229] FIG. 13 shows a block diagram 1300 of a communications manager 1320 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager 1320 may be an example of aspects of a communications manager 1120, a communications manager 1220, or both, as described herein. The communications manager 1320, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of UE CM state-based dual access steering as described herein. For example, thecommunications manager 1320 may include an event manager 1325, a CM state manager 1330, a data session manager 1335, a PCC rule manager 1340, a steering mode manager 1345, a connection state change manager 1350, a subscription manager 1355, or any combination thereof. Each of these components, or components or subcomponents thereof (e.g., one or more processors, one or more memories), may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0230] The communications manager 1320 may support wireless or wired communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The event manager 1325 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining information identifying an event list identifying one or more events associated with a UE, at least one event in the event list including a CM state event. In some examples, the event manager 1325 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for monitoring, for one or more cellular-based accesses associated with the UE, a CM state of the UE to determine that the CM state has changed from a first CM state to a second CM state, where the change of the CM state triggers the CM state event. In some examples, the event manager 1325 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for providing, based on the CM state event being triggered, an indication to a second network function that the CM state of the UE has changed to a connected mode or to an idle mode. In some examples, the first network function includes an AMF and the second network function include a SMF.

[0231] Additionally, or alternatively, the communications manager 1320 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The CM state manager 1330 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining rules prioritizing a data session between a UE and a second network function based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access, a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access, or both. In some examples, the CM state manager 1330 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access and for the second cellular-based access, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode. In some examples, the CM state manager 1330 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for providing, to the UE, to the second network function, or both, an indication that the UE, the second network function, or both, are to prioritizeselecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access according to the rules and based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0232] In some examples, to support obtaining the rules, the PCC rule manager 1340 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining a PCC rule identifying a steering mode indication and a CM state priority indicator, where the CM state priority indicator prioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0233] In some examples, to support obtaining the rules, the steering mode manager 1345 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining a PCC rule identifying a set of CM state-dependent steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session, where one or more CM state-dependent steering modes in the set of steering modes are based on the first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access or the second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access. In some examples, the CM state-dependent steering modes is a CM state-dependent active-standby steering mode, a CM state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a CM state-dependent load balancing steering mode, a CM state-dependent priority-based steering mode, a CM state-dependent redundancy -based steering mode, or a combination thereof.

[0234] In some examples, the CM state manager 1330 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for maintaining the UE in the idle mode for the second cellular-based access during the data session based on the second CM state being associated with the idle mode and based on a second network function scheme to communicate data to the UE via the second cellular-based access.

[0235] In some examples, to support obtaining the CM state, the connection state change manager 1350 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining an indication that the first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access, the second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access, or both, have changed to the connected mode or to the idle mode. In some examples, to support obtaining the CM state, the connection state change manager 1350 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for providing an indication to the secondnetwork function that the first CM state, the second CM state, or both, have changed to the connected mode or to the idle mode, where the indication identifies which cellularbased access has changed, and where the data session with the UE is via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, in response to the change to the connected mode.

[0236] In some examples, the steering mode manager 1345 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for providing, to the second network function, information identifying a set of steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session with the UE, where one or more steering modes in the set of steering modes are based on the first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access or the second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access. In some examples, the set of steering modes is a set of CM state-dependent steering modes that includes a CM state-dependent activestandby steering mode, a CM state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a CM statedependent load balancing steering mode, a CM state-dependent priority -based steering mode, a CM state-dependent redundancy-based steering mode, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the information identifies a steering mode indication for the set of steering modes and a CM state priority indicator that prioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode. In some examples, the second network function includes a UPF.

[0237] In some examples, the subscription manager 1355 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for providing, to the second network function, a subscription request associated with a change in the first CM state and the second CM state of the UE. In some examples, the subscription manager 1355 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining, from the second network function, an indication that the first CM state, the second CM state, or both, have changed from a connected mode to an idle mode or from the idle mode to the connected mode. In some examples, the subscription manager 1355 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for providing a CM state change message to a third network function identifying that the first CM state, the second CM state, or both, have changed from the connected mode to the idle mode or from the idle mode to theconnected mode. In some examples, the second network function includes an AMF and the third network function includes a UPF.

[0238] In some examples, the subscription manager 1355 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for establishing a tunnel between the UE and the second network function for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, wherein establishment of the tunnel indicates that the first cellular-based access, the second cellular-based access, or both, are associated with the connected mode of the UE, wherein the second network function is an AMF.

[0239] Additionally, or alternatively, the communications manager 1320 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The data session manager 1335 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining rules prioritizing a data session with a UE based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access or a second CM state of the UE on a second cellularbased access. In some examples, the data session manager 1335 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode. In some examples, the data session manager 1335 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for exchanging data with the UE via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, based on the first CM state and the second CM state.

[0240] In some examples, the subscription manager 1355 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for providing, to a second network function, a subscription request associated with a change in the first CM state and the second CM state of the UE. In some examples, the subscription manager 1355 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining, from the second network function, an indication that the first CM state, the second CM state, or both, have changed from the connected mode to the idle mode or from the idle mode to the connected mode, where the data session is based on obtaining the indication of the change. In some examples, the second network function includes a SMF.

[0241] In some examples, to support obtaining the rules, the steering mode manager 1345 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining, from a second network function, information identifying a set of steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session with the UE, where one or more steering modes in the set of steering modes are based on the first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access or the second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access. In some examples, the set of steering modes is a set of CM state-dependent steering modes that includes a CM statedependent active- standby steering mode, a CM state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a CM state-dependent load balancing steering mode, a CM state-dependent priority -based steering mode, a CM state-dependent redundancy -based steering mode, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the information identifies a steering mode indication for the set of steering modes and a CM state priority indicator that prioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode

[0242] In some examples, to support obtaining information identifying the CM state of the UE, the connection state change manager 1350 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for establishing a tunnel between the UE and the second network function for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, where establishment of the tunnel indicates that the first cellular-based access, the second cellular-based access, or both, are associated with the connected mode of the UE, wherein the second network function is an AMF.

[0243] FIG. 14 shows a diagram of a system 1400 including a device 1405 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The device 1405 may be an example of or include the components of a device 1105, a device 1205, or a network function as described herein. The device 1405 may include components for or supporting bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting or providing and receiving or obtaining communications, such as a communications manager 1420, an EO controller 1410, a transceiver 1415, at least one memory 1425, a code 1430, and at least one processor 1435. These components may be in electronic communication orotherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., a bus 1440).

[0244] The I / O controller 1410 may manage input and output signals for the device 1405. The I / O controller 1410 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the device 1405. In some cases, the I / O controller 1410 may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, the I / O controller 1410 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS / 2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. Additionally or alternatively, the I / O controller 1410 may represent or interact with a modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. In some cases, the I / O controller 1410 may be implemented as part of one or more processors, such as the at least one processor 1435. In some cases, a user may interact with the device 1405 via the I / O controller 1410 or via hardware components controlled by the I / O controller 1410, such as an input device 1345 or an output device 1350.

[0245] The transceiver 1415 may communicate bi-directionally, via the one or more wired, or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceiver 1415 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1415 may also include a modem to modulate the packets, to provide the modulated packets for transmission to other network functions, and to demodulate packets received from other network functions. The transceiver 1415, may be an example of a transmitter 1115, a transmitter 1215, a receiver 1110, a receiver 1210, or any combination thereof or component thereof, as described herein.

[0246] The at least one memory 1425 may include RAM and ROM. The at least one memory 1425 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 1430 including instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 1435, cause the device 1405 to perform various functions described herein. The code 1430 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, the code 1430 may not be directly executable by the at least one processor 1435 but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein. In some cases, the at least one memory 1425 may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0247] The at least one processor 1435 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the at least one processor 1435 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the at least one processor 1435. The at least one processor 1435 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the at least one memory 1425) to cause the device 1405 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting UE CM state-based dual access steering). For example, the device 1405 or a component of the device 1405 may include at least one processor 1435 and at least one memory 1425 coupled with or to the at least one processor 1435, the at least one processor 1435 and at least one memory 1425 configured to perform various functions described herein. In some examples, the at least one processor 1435 may include multiple processors and the at least one memory 1425 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled with one or more of the multiple memories, which may, individually or collectively, be configured to perform various functions herein.

[0248] In some examples, the at least one processor 1435 may be a component of a processing system, which may refer to a system (such as a series) of machines, circuitry (including, for example, one or both of processor circuitry (which may include the at least one processor 1435) and memory circuitry (which may include the at least one memory 1425)), or components, that receives or obtains inputs and processes the inputs to produce, generate, or obtain a set of outputs. The processing system may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein. As such, the at least one processor 1435 or a processing system including the at least one processor 1435 may be configured to, configurable to, or operable to cause the device 1405 to perform one or more of the functions described herein. Further, as described herein, being “configured to,” being “configurable to,” and being “operable to” may be used interchangeably and may be associated with a capability, when executing code stored in the at least one memory 1425 or otherwise, to perform one or more of the functions described herein.

[0249] The communications manager 1420 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager 1420 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining information identifying an event list identifying one or more events associated with a UE, at least one event in the event list including a CM state event. The communications manager 1420 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for monitoring, for one or more cellular-based accesses associated with the UE, a CM state of the UE to determine that the CM state has changed from a first CM state to a second CM state, where the change of the CM state triggers the CM state event. The communications manager 1420 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for providing, basing on the CM state event being triggered, an indication to a second network function that the CM state of the UE has changed to a connected mode or to an idle mode.

[0250] Additionally, or alternatively, the communications manager 1420 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager 1420 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining rules prioritizing a data session between a UE and a second network function based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access, a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access, or both. The communications manager 1420 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellularbased access and for the second cellular-based access, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode. The communications manager 1420 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for providing, to the UE, to the second network function, or both, an indication that the UE, the second network function, or both, are to prioritize selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellularbased access according to the rules and based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0251] Additionally, or alternatively, the communications manager 1420 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager 1420 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining rules prioritizing a data session with a UE based on a firstCM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access or a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access. The communications manager 1420 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode. The communications manager 1420 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support a means for exchanging data with the UE via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, based on the first CM state and the second CM state.

[0252] By including or configuring the communications manager 1420 in accordance with examples as described herein, the device 1405 may support techniques for prioritizing the CM state of the UE on each cellular-based access for traffic steering during a data session.

[0253] In some examples, the communications manager 1420 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the transceiver 1415, or any combination thereof. Although the communications manager 1420 is illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communications manager 1420 may be supported by or performed by the at least one processor 1435, the at least one memory 1425, the code 1430, or any combination thereof. For example, the code 1430 may include instructions executable by the at least one processor 1435 to cause the device 1405 to perform various aspects of UE CM state-based dual access steering as described herein, or the at least one processor 1435 and the at least one memory 1425 may be otherwise configured to, individually or collectively, perform or support such operations.

[0254] FIG. 15 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1500 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by a UE or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1500 may be performed by a UE 115 as described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 10. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to performthe described functions. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

[0255] At 1505, the method may include receiving an indication that a first cellularbased access and a second cellular-based access are both available for a data session for communicating data. The operations of block 1505 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1505 may be performed by an access manager 925 as described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0256] At 1510, the method may include selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session based on one or more of: a first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access. The operations of block 1510 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1510 may be performed by an access selection manager 930 as described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0257] At 1515, the method may include communicating the data during the data session via the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access in accordance with the selecting. The operations of block 1515 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1515 may be performed by a data manager 935 as described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0258] FIG. 16 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1600 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by a network function or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1600 may be performed by a network function as described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5 and 11 through 14. In some examples, a network function may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the network function to perform the described functions. Additionally, or alternatively, the network function may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

[0259] At 1605, the method may include obtaining information identifying an event list identifying one or more events associated with a UE, at least one event in the eventlist including a CM state event. The operations of block 1605 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1605 may be performed by an event manager 1325 as described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0260] At 1610, the method may include monitoring, for one or more cellular-based accesses associated with the UE, a CM state of the UE to determine that the CM state has changed from a first CM state to a second CM state, where the change of the CM state triggers the CM state event. The operations of block 1610 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1610 may be performed by an event manager 1325 as described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0261] At 1615, the method may include providing, based on the CM state event being triggered, an indication to a second network function that the CM state of the UE has changed to a connected mode or to an idle mode. The operations of block 1615 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1615 may be performed by an event manager 1325 as described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0262] FIG. 17 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1700 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by a network function or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1700 may be performed by a network function as described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5 and 11 through 14. In some examples, a network function may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the network function to perform the described functions. Additionally, or alternatively, the network function may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

[0263] At 1705, the method may include obtaining rules prioritizing a data session between a UE and a second network function based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access, a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access, or both. The operations of block 1705 may be performed in accordance withexamples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1705 may be performed by a CM state manager 1330 as described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0264] At 1710, the method may include obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access and for the second cellular-based access, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode. The operations of block 1710 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1710 may be performed by a CM state manager 1330 as described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0265] At 1715, the method may include providing, to the UE, to the second network function, or both, an indication that the UE, the second network function, or both, are to prioritize selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellularbased access according to the rules and based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode. The operations of block 1715 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1715 may be performed by a CM state manager 1330 as described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0266] FIG. 18 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1800 that supports UE CM state-based dual access steering in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1800 may be implemented by a network function or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1800 may be performed by a network function as described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5 and 11 through 14. In some examples, a network function may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the network function to perform the described functions. Additionally, or alternatively, the network function may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

[0267] At 1805, the method may include obtaining rules prioritizing a data session with a UE based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access or a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access. The operations of block 1805 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1805 may be performed by a data session manager 1335 as described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0268] At 1810, the method may include obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, the CM state including a connected mode or an idle mode. The operations of block 1810 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1810 may be performed by a data session manager 1335 as described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0269] At 1815, the method may include exchanging data with the UE via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, based on the first CM state and the second CM state. The operations of block 1815 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1815 may be performed by a data session manager 1335 as described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0270] The following provides an overview of aspects of the present disclosure:

[0271] Aspect 1 : A method for wireless communications at a UE, comprising: receiving an indication that a first cellular-based access and a second cellular-based access are both available for a data session for communicating data; selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session based at least in part on one or more of: a first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access and a second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access; and communicating the data during the data session via the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access in accordance with the selecting.

[0272] Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, wherein receiving the indication comprises: receiving rules identifying a steering mode indicator and a CM state priority indicator, wherein the CM state priority indicator prioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state, wherein selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access is according to the rules and based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with a connected mode.

[0273] Aspect 3 : The method of aspect 2, wherein selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access, comprises: selecting the first cellular-basedaccess to communicate uplink data based at least in part on the first CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0274] Aspect 4: The method of any of aspects 2 through 3, wherein selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access comprises: selecting the second cellular-based access to communicate uplink data based at least in part on the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0275] Aspect 5: The method of any of aspects 2 through 4, wherein the indication is received from a SMF.

[0276] Aspect 6: The method of any of aspects 1 through 5, wherein receiving the indication comprises: receiving information identifying a set of steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session, wherein one or more steering modes in the set of steering modes are based on the first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access or the second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access.

[0277] Aspect 7: The method of aspect 6, wherein the set of steering modes is a set of CM state-dependent steering modes that includes a CM state-dependent activestandby steering mode, a CM state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a CM statedependent load balancing steering mode, a CM state-dependent priority -based steering mode, a CM state-dependent redundancy-based steering mode, or a combination thereof.

[0278] Aspect 8: The method of any of aspects 1 through 7, wherein receiving the indication comprises: receiving information identifying a steering mode indicator and a CM state priority indicator, wherein the CM state priority indicator prioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state over the steering mode indicator; and selecting, according to at least the CM state priority indicator, the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with a connected mode.

[0279] Aspect 9: A method for wireless communications at a first network function, comprising: obtaining information identifying an event list identifying one or more events associated with a UE, at least one event in the event list comprising a CM stateevent; monitoring, for one or more cellular-based accesses associated with the UE, a CM state of the UE to determine that the CM state has changed from a first CM state to a second CM state, wherein the change of the CM state triggers the CM state event; and providing, based on the CM state event being triggered, an indication to a second network function that the CM state of the UE has changed to a connected mode or to an idle mode.

[0280] Aspect 10: The method of aspect 9, wherein the first network function comprises an AMF and the second network function comprise a SMF.

[0281] Aspect 11 : A method for wireless communications at a first network function, comprising: obtaining rules prioritizing a data session between a UE and a second network function based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access, a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access, or both; obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access and for the second cellular-based access, the CM state comprising a connected mode or an idle mode; and providing, to the UE, to the second network function, or both, an indication that the UE, the second network function, or both, are to prioritize selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access according to the rules and based on at least one of the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0282] Aspect 12: The method of aspect 11, wherein obtaining the rules comprises: obtaining a PCC rule identifying a steering mode indication and a CM state priority indicator, wherein the CM state priority indicator prioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0283] Aspect 13: The method of any of aspects 11 through 12, wherein obtaining the rules comprises: obtaining a PCC rule identifying a set of CM state-dependent steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session, wherein one or more CM state-dependent steering modes in the set of CM state-dependent steering modes are based on the first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access or the second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access.

[0284] Aspect 14: The method of aspect 13, wherein the set of CM state-dependent steering modes includes a CM state-dependent active-standby steering mode, a CM state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a CM state-dependent load balancing steering mode, a CM state-dependent priority-based steering mode, a CM statedependent redundancy -based steering mode, or a combination thereof.

[0285] Aspect 15: The method of any of aspects 11 through 14, further comprising: maintaining the UE in the idle mode for the second cellular-based access during the data session based on the second CM state being associated with the idle mode and based on a second network function scheme to communicate data to the UE via the second cellular-based access.

[0286] Aspect 16: The method of any of aspects 11 through 15, wherein obtaining the CM state comprises: obtaining an indication that the first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access, the second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access, or both, have changed to the connected mode or to the idle mode; and providing an indication, to the second network function that the first CM state, the second CM state, or both, have changed to the connected mode or to the idle mode, wherein the indication identifies which cellular-based access has changed, and wherein the data session with the UE is via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, in response to the change to the connected mode.

[0287] Aspect 17: The method of any of aspects 11 through 16, further comprising: providing, to the second network function, information identifying a set of steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellularbased access for the data session with the UE, wherein one or more steering modes in the set of steering modes are based on the first CM state of the UE on the first cellularbased access or the second CM state of the UE on the second cellular-based access.

[0288] Aspect 18: The method of aspect 17, wherein the set of steering modes is a set of CM state-dependent steering modes that includes a CM state-dependent activestandby steering mode, a CM state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a CM statedependent load balancing steering mode, a CM state-dependent priority -based steering mode, a CM state-dependent redundancy-based steering mode, or a combination thereof.

[0289] Aspect 19: The method of any of aspects 17 through 18, wherein the information identifies a steering mode indication for the set of steering modes and a CM state priority indicator that prioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0290] Aspect 20: The method of any of aspects 17 through 19, wherein the second network function comprises a UPF.

[0291] Aspect 21 : The method of any of aspects 11 through 20, further comprising: providing, to the second network function, a subscription request associated with a change in the first CM state and the second CM state of the UE; obtaining, from the second network function, an indication that the first CM state, the second CM state, or both, have changed from a connected mode to an idle mode or from the idle mode to the connected mode; and providing a CM state change message to a third network function identifying that the first CM state, the second CM state, or both, have changed from the connected mode to the idle mode or from the idle mode to the connected mode.

[0292] Aspect 22: The method of aspect 21, wherein the second network function comprises an AMF and the third network function comprises a UPF.

[0293] Aspect 23 : The method of any of aspects 11 through 22, wherein obtaining information identifying the CM state of the UE comprises: establishing a tunnel between the UE and the second network function for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, wherein establishment of the tunnel indicates that the first cellular-based access, the second cellular-based access, or both, are associated with the connected mode of the UE, wherein the second network function comprises an AMF.

[0294] Aspect 24: A method for wireless communications at a first network function, comprising: obtaining rules prioritizing a data session with a UE based on a first CM state of the UE on a first cellular-based access or a second CM state of the UE on a second cellular-based access; obtaining information identifying a CM state of the UE for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, the CM state comprising a connected mode or an idle mode; and exchanging data with the UE via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, based on the first CM state and the second CM state.

[0295] Aspect 25: The method of aspect 24, further comprising: providing, to a second network function, a subscription request associated with a change in the first CM state and the second CM state of the UE; and obtaining, from the second network function, an indication that the first CM state, the second CM state, or both, have changed from the connected mode to the idle mode or from the idle mode to the connected mode, wherein the data session is based at least in part on obtaining the indication of the change.

[0296] Aspect 26: The method of aspect 25, wherein the second network function comprises a SMF.

[0297] Aspect 27 : The method of any of aspects 24 through 26, wherein obtaining the rules comprises: obtaining, from a second network function, information identifying a set of steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session with the UE, wherein one or more steering modes in the set of steering modes are based on the first CM state of the UE on the first cellular-based access or the second CM state of the UE on the second cellularbased access.

[0298] Aspect 28: The method of aspect 27, wherein the set of steering modes is a set of CM state-dependent steering modes that includes a CM state-dependent activestandby steering mode, a CM state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a CM statedependent load balancing steering mode, a CM state-dependent priority -based steering mode, a CM state-dependent redundancy-based steering mode, or a combination thereof.

[0299] Aspect 29: The method of any of aspects 27 through 28, wherein the information identifies a steering mode indication for the set of steering modes and a CM state priority indicator that prioritizes the data session based on the first CM state or the second CM state being associated with the connected mode.

[0300] Aspect 30: The method of any of aspects 24 through 29, wherein obtaining information identifying the CM state of the UE comprises: establishing a tunnel between the UE and the second network function for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, wherein establishment of the tunnel indicates that the first cellular-based access, the second cellular-based access, or both, areassociated with the connected mode of the UE, wherein the second network function comprises an AMF.

[0301] Aspect 31 : A UE for wireless communications, comprising one or more memories storing processor-executable code, and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to perform a method of any of aspects 1 through 8.

[0302] Aspect 32: A UE for wireless communications, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 1 through 8.

[0303] Aspect 33: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 1 through 8.

[0304] Aspect 34: A first network function for wireless communications, comprising one or more memories storing processor-executable code, and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to perform a method of any of aspects 9 through 10.

[0305] Aspect 35: A first network function for wireless communications, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 9 through 10.

[0306] Aspect 36: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 9 through 10.

[0307] Aspect 37: A first network function for wireless communications, comprising one or more memories storing processor-executable code, and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to perform a method of any of aspects 11 through 23.

[0308] Aspect 38: A first network function for wireless communications, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 11 through 23.

[0309] Aspect 39: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 11 through 23.

[0310] Aspect 40: A first network function for wireless communications, comprising one or more memories storing processor-executable code, and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to perform a method of any of aspects 24 through 30.

[0311] Aspect 41 : A first network function for wireless communications, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 24 through 30.

[0312] Aspect 42: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 24 through 30.

[0313] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible. Further, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0314] Although aspects of an LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR system may be described for purposes of example, and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein are applicable beyond LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the described techniques may be applicable to various other wireless communications systems such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, as well as other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0315] Information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagneticwaves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0316] The various illustrative blocks and components described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed using a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor but, in the alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration). Any functions or operations described herein as being capable of being performed by a processor may be performed by multiple processors that, individually or collectively, are capable of performing the described functions or operations.

[0317] The functions described herein may be implemented using hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented using software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored as or transmitted using one or more instructions or code of a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations.

[0318] Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one location to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of computer-readable medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc. Disks may reproduce data magnetically, and discs may reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media. Any functions or operations described herein as being capable of being performed by a memory may be performed by multiple memories that, individually or collectively, are capable of performing the described functions or operations.

[0319] As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of’ or “one or more of’) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”

[0320] As used herein, including in the claims, the article “a” before a noun is open- ended and understood to refer to “at least one” of those nouns or “one or more” of those nouns. Thus, the terms “a,” “at least one,” “one or more,” “at least one of one or more” may be interchangeable. For example, if a claim recites “a component” that performs one or more functions, each of the individual functions may be performed by a single component or by any combination of multiple components. Thus, the term “a component” having characteristics or performing functions may refer to “at least one ofone or more components” having a particular characteristic or performing a particular function. Subsequent reference to a component introduced with the article “a” using the terms “the” or “said” may refer to any or all of the one or more components. For example, a component introduced with the article “a” may be understood to mean “one or more components,” and referring to “the component” subsequently in the claims may be understood to be equivalent to referring to “at least one of the one or more components.” Similarly, subsequent reference to a component introduced as “one or more components” using the terms “the” or “said” may refer to any or all of the one or more components. For example, referring to “the one or more components” subsequently in the claims may be understood to be equivalent to referring to “at least one of the one or more components.”

[0321] The term “determine” or “determining” encompasses a variety of actions and, therefore, “determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (such as via looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining” can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data stored in memory) and the like. Also, “determining” can include resolving, obtaining, selecting, choosing, establishing, and other such similar actions.

[0322] In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label, or other subsequent reference label.

[0323] The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “example” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances,known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0324] The description herein is provided to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A user equipment (UE), comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive an indication that a first cellular-based access and a second cellular-based access are both available for a data session for communicating data; select the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session based at least in part on one or more of: a first connection management state of the UE on the first cellular-based access and a second connection management state of the UE on the second cellular-based access; and communicate the data during the data session via the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access in accordance with the selecting.

2. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to receive the indication, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive rules identifying a steering mode indicator and a connection management state priority indicator, wherein the connection management state priority indicator prioritizes the data session based on the first connection management state or the second connection management state, wherein selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access is according to the rules and based on at least one of the first connection management state or the second connection management state being associated with a connected mode.

3. The UE of claim 2, wherein, to select the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to:select the first cellular-based access to communicate uplink data based at least in part on the first connection management state being associated with the connected mode.

4. The UE of claim 2, wherein, to select the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: select the second cellular-based access to communicate uplink data based at least in part on the second connection management state being associated with the connected mode.

5. The UE of claim 2, wherein the indication is received from a session management function (SMF).

6. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to receive the indication, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive information identifying a set of steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session, wherein one or more steering modes in the set of steering modes are based on the first connection management state of the UE on the first cellular-based access or the second connection management state of the UE on the second cellular-based access.

7. The UE of claim 6, wherein the set of steering modes is a set of connection management state-dependent steering modes that includes a connection management state-dependent active- standby steering mode, a connection management state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a connection management statedependent load balancing steering mode, a connection management state-dependent priority -based steering mode, a connection management state-dependent redundancybased steering mode, or a combination thereof.

8. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to receive the indication, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to:receive information identifying a steering mode indicator and a connection management state priority indicator, wherein the connection management state priority indicator prioritizes the data session based on the first connection management state or the second connection management state over the steering mode indicator; and select, according to at least the connection management state priority indicator, the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access based on at least one of the first connection management state or the second connection management state being associated with a connected mode.

9. A first network function, comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to: obtain information identifying an event list identifying one or more events associated with a user equipment (UE), at least one event in the event list comprising a connection management state event; monitor, for one or more cellular-based accesses associated with the UE, a connection management state of the UE to determine that the connection management state has changed from a first connection management state to a second connection management state, wherein the change of the connection management state triggers the connection management state event; and providing, based on the connection management state event being triggered, an indication to a second network function that the connection management state of the UE has changed to a connected mode or to an idle mode.

10. The first network function of claim 9, wherein the first network function comprises an access management function (AMF) and the second network function comprise a session management function (SMF).

11. A first network function, comprising:one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to: obtain rules prioritizing a data session between a user equipment (UE) and a second network function based on a first connection management state of the UE on a first cellular-based access, a second connection management state of the UE on a second cellular-based access, or both; obtain information identifying a connection management state of the UE for the first cellular-based access and for the second cellular-based access, the connection management state comprising a connected mode or an idle mode; and provide, to the UE, to the second network function, or both, an indication that the UE, the second network function, or both, are to prioritize selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access according to the rules and based on at least one of the first connection management state or the second connection management state being associated with the connected mode.

12. The first network function of claim 11, wherein, to obtain the rules, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to: obtain a policy and charging control (PCC) rule identifying a steering mode indication and a connection management state priority indicator, wherein the connection management state priority indicator prioritizes the data session based on the first connection management state or the second connection management state being associated with the connected mode.

13. The first network function of claim 11, wherein, to obtain the rules, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to: obtain a policy and charging control (PCC) rule identifying a set of connection management state-dependent steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session,wherein one or more connection management state-dependent steering modes in the set of connection management state-dependent steering modes are based on the first connection management state of the UE on the first cellular-based access or the second connection management state of the UE on the second cellular-based access.

14. The first network function of claim 13, wherein the set of connection management state-dependent steering modes includes a connection management state-dependent active- standby steering mode, a connection management state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a connection management statedependent load balancing steering mode, a connection management state-dependent priority -based steering mode, a connection management state-dependent redundancybased steering mode, or a combination thereof.

15. The first network function of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to: maintain the UE in the idle mode for the second cellular-based access during the data session based on the second connection management state being associated with the idle mode and based on a second network function scheme to communicate data to the UE via the second cellular-based access.

16. The first network function of claim 11, wherein, to obtain the connection management state, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to: obtain an indication that the first connection management state of the UE on the first cellular-based access, the second connection management state of the UE on the second cellular-based access, or both, have changed to the connected mode or to the idle mode; and provide an indication, to the second network function that the first connection management state, the second connection management state, or both, have changed to the connected mode or to the idle mode, wherein the indication identifies which cellular-based access has changed, and wherein the data session with the UE is via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, in response to the change to the connected mode.

17. The first network function of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to: provide, to the second network function, information identifying a set of steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session with the UE, wherein one or more steering modes in the set of steering modes are based on the first connection management state of the UE on the first cellular-based access or the second connection management state of the UE on the second cellular-based access.

18. The first network function of claim 17, wherein the set of steering modes is a set of connection management state-dependent steering modes that includes a connection management state-dependent active- standby steering mode, a connection management state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a connection management state-dependent load balancing steering mode, a connection management statedependent priority -based steering mode, a connection management state-dependent redundancy -based steering mode, or a combination thereof.

19. The first network function of claim 17, wherein the information identifies a steering mode indication for the set of steering modes and a connection management state priority indicator that prioritizes the data session based on the first connection management state or the second connection management state being associated with the connected mode.

20. The first network function of claim 17, wherein the second network function comprises a user plane function (UPF).

21. The first network function of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to: provide, to the second network function, a subscription request associated with a change in the first connection management state and the second connection management state of the UE;obtain, from the second network function, an indication that the first connection management state, the second connection management state, or both, have changed from a connected mode to an idle mode or from the idle mode to the connected mode; and provide a connection management state change message to a third network function identifying that the first connection management state, the second connection management state, or both, have changed from the connected mode to the idle mode or from the idle mode to the connected mode.

22. The first network function of claim 21, wherein the second network function comprises an access and mobility function (AMF) and the third network function comprises a user plane function (UPF).

23. The first network function of claim 11, wherein, to obtain information identifying the connection management state of the UE, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to: establish a tunnel between the UE and the second network function for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, wherein establishment of the tunnel indicates that the first cellular-based access, the second cellular-based access, or both, are associated with the connected mode of the UE, wherein the second network function comprises an access and mobility function (AMF).

24. A first network function, comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to: obtain rules prioritizing a data session with a user equipment (UE) based on a first connection management state of the UE on a first cellularbased access or a second connection management state of the UE on a second cellular-based access; obtain information identifying a connection management state of the UE for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, orboth, the connection management state comprising a connected mode or an idle mode; and exchange data with the UE via the first cellular-based access, via the second cellular-based access, or both, based on the first connection management state and the second connection management state.

25. The first network function of claim 24, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to: provide, to a second network function, a subscription request associated with a change in the first connection management state and the second connection management state of the UE; and obtain, from the second network function, an indication that the first connection management state, the second connection management state, or both, have changed from the connected mode to the idle mode or from the idle mode to the connected mode, wherein the data session is based at least in part on obtaining the indication of the change.

26. The first network function of claim 25, wherein the second network function comprises a session management function (SMF).

27. The first network function of claim 24, wherein, to obtain the rules, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to: obtain, from a second network function, information identifying a set of steering modes to be applied when selecting the first cellular-based access or the second cellular-based access for the data session with the UE, wherein one or more steering modes in the set of steering modes are based on the first connection management state of the UE on the first cellular-based access or the second connection management state of the UE on the second cellular-based access.

28. The first network function of claim 27, wherein the set of steering modes is a set of connection management state-dependent steering modes that includes a connection management state-dependent active- standby steering mode, a connectionmanagement state-dependent smallest delay steering mode, a connection management state-dependent load balancing steering mode, a connection management statedependent priority -based steering mode, a connection management state-dependent redundancy -based steering mode, or a combination thereof.

29. The first network function of claim 27, wherein the information identifies a steering mode indication for the set of steering modes and a connection management state priority indicator that prioritizes the data session based on the first connection management state or the second connection management state being associated with the connected mode.

30. The first network function of claim 24, wherein, to obtain information identifying the connection management state of the UE, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first network function to: establish a tunnel between the UE and a second network function for the first cellular-based access, for the second cellular-based access, or both, wherein establishment of the tunnel indicates that the first cellular-based access, the second cellular-based access, or both, are associated with the connected mode of the UE, wherein the second network function comprises an access and mobility function (AMF).

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